Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea will remain the La Roja number one, despite a fan poll calling for his replacement. De Gea gave up a hat trick to Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain’s 3-3 draw with Portugal to open up World Cup group stage action.
One of the goals that De Gea surrendered in the Iberian Peninsula Derby (the second Ronaldo scoring strike) was a mistake that was absolutely unacceptable for anybody playing up at this elite level. Ironically, it came on the same exact day news broke of his long term contract extension with United.
This gaffe, coupled with the egregious mistake he made during a World Cup warm up match, has led to supporters seeking his ouster.
Results of a fan poll found that Spain supporters want De Gea to now be replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Spanish publication MARCA asked fans who they wanted between the sticks and Arrizabalaga edged out De Gea 49%-41%.
However, Spain interim manager Fernando Hierro will not kowtow to these demands. He will choose to stay the course instead.
“He has all of our confidence. I see him calm, training the same as always,” Hierro responded when asked about the status of De Gea at a Monday press conference.
“I have very clear ideas and I know what path we have to follow. My experience tells me that sportsmen need to be given confidence not just in the good times.”
Spain, obviously, have had the most dramatic and tumultuous World Cup thus far.
A prolonged goalkeeper controversy kind of a situation is the last thing they need.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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