Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has named David de Gea among the three best goalkeepers in the world right now.
De Gea has been in sparkling form for United this season, and is a huge reason as to why they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish this season.
The Spain international has responded after a difficult year at Old Trafford, in which he looked set to lose his number one spot to academy graduate Dean Henderson.
But with the England goalkeeper missing the start of the season through injury and Covid, De Gea has seized his chance and ensured there is no chance for Henderson to overtake him again in the pecking order.
He’s among good company though when it comes to the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, with Manchester City’s Ederson, Liverpool’s Alisson and Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy considered some of the best in the world, while Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has also been in fine form this season.
Ferdinand though ranks his former United team-mate in the top three in the world right now, alongside two of his Premier League rivals.
Speaking on the Vibe With Five podcast, Ferdinand said: “If I was picking a goalkeeper right now in the world, I think my top three keepers would be – and maybe people say you’re biased because of the Premier League – but it would be Mendy, Ederson, and on form right now De Gea.
“Mendy stands out for me, especially in this last year, he’s been impeccable.”
De Gea’s form this season has been underlined by the 31-year-old winning the Player of the Month award for Janaury – the first time he has won the accolade since joining United in 2011.
The Spaniard also became the first goalkeeper to win the monthly prize since February 2016, when Southampton’s Fraser Forster claimed it.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.