Next season will be one like never seen before thanks to the Qatar World Cup.
The finals would have started this Friday had they not been pushed back to November due to climate conditions in the country. It instead means that the tournament will take place slap bang in the middle of the regular European season.
Many argue that it could benefit teams like England, with their players used to the congested fixture list at that time of year. But it also comes at a perfect time for Manchester United and David de Gea, should the goalkeeper be left out of Spain’s squad.
READ MORE: Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois weighs into David de Gea debate with Man United fan
You might have been laughed out of Old Trafford four years ago if you said the shot-stopper would not be included, having played every minute of his country’s Russia 2018 campaign. But it very much looks like that may happen.
Spain boss Luis Enrique has hinted that first-choice Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Brentford’s David Raya will be the three he'll choose for the World Cup. Speaking at the weekend, he said: “I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them.
“Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting.” He added he wants “a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness”, seemingly implying that De Gea does not possess these attributes via virtue of his omission.
While many may not necessarily agree with that, United can use his exclusion to their advantage. Erik ten Hag will be gunning for a Champions League spot in his debut season.
All of United’s rivals will see their first-choice goalkeepers jet off to the Middle East this winter, while De Gea gains some valuable rest. They will come back tired and possibly heartbroken, whereas United's No.1 will be fresh and alert.
If United are to take points from their top-four rivals then De Gea will have to be on top form again. He was named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for his world-class displays this season which saved United from falling even further down the table.
If he can continue his form next season against the top six, then United have a real chance of clinching Champions League qualification. The Premier League will be playing catch-up when the World Cup ends, leading to a tight fixture schedule.
So, a month’s rest for one of the top six’s first-choice goalkeepers could make all the difference in the top-four fight.
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