David de Gea has been snubbed for Spain selection as two other Premier League goalkeepers are preferred to the Manchester United man.
The Spaniard has enjoyed one of his better seasons in recent years, keeping Dean Henderson out as he establishes himself as the No 1 at Old Trafford following previous question marks. Despite his club form though, on the international stage De Gea has been overlooked by Luis Enrique in the latest squad ahead of the Nations League fixtures.
Unai Simon at Athletic Bilbao has established himself as first choice with Spain, playing for them at Euro 2020. Brighton's Robert Sanchez and David Raya at Brentford have both been picked by Enrique. That is the latest blow for De Gea in what has been a largely forgettable season.
Raya was only selected for the first time back in March, but Enrique spoke about the reasons behind his inclusion, which could hint at why De Gea is being shunned. The Spain boss said on Raya: "He has the necessary profile to play with us."
The United goalkeeper has never been renowned for his ability with his feet. His shot stopping is a major asset and has been called upon on numerous occasions this term given the struggles of his club. De Gea was unable to keep a clean sheet as the Red Devils lost once again, this time to Crystal Palace on the final day.
The Spaniard confessed it had been a poor season, but was hoping for a brighter future with Erik ten Hag now at the helm. He said: "We all know it’s been a very bad season from everyone. Let’s have a good rest of the summer, repair ourselves in the mind and the body, and be ready to fight again this next season.
"I just want to be positive, just forget about this season. I saw already the new manager is in the stands so that’s a good signal and I trust that things are going to improve for Manchester United."
He added on Ten Hag's task: “If I’m honest it’s a big job for him, but he won some things in Ajax and been playing very good, attacking football so that’s what we need. Hopefully, with some new players and with the new manager and his staff, [there will be] some new energy.
“[I hope the players] who stay in the club just fight together to improve the team and [get] the club as high as possible. Hopefully together and with the fans as well, we can build something good.”
