Spain boss Luis Enrique has hinted at the reason why David de Gea finds himself out of the national side.
The Manchester United goalkeeper remains out of favour with Enrique, having been snubbed for their Nations League encounters this month. De Gea was also left out of the squad earlier this year, with his last international call-up coming back in November.
Despite United enduring a dismal season on all fronts, De Gea was one of a select few to come out of the campaign with any credit. The 31-year-old enjoyed a fine season in goal, leading to him winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award.
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His domestic form, though, hasn’t been enough to earn him a place in Enrique’s side, with the former Barcelona boss instead siding with Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon as his number one. The Spain manager curiously does side with a couple of Premier League options as back-up though, with Brentford’s David Raya and Brighton Robert Sanchez in his squad.
Enrique has now suggested the decision is down to De Gea’s distribution, as well as his ability under the high ball. The 52-year-old also suggested his current trio of goalkeepers now sit ahead of the United stopper in the pecking order for the national team.
“I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them,” Enrique said. “Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting.
“Unai has accumulated some interesting experience. A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
“I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot.”
De Gea's most recent appearance for Spain coming in October 2020. Enrique’s comments now place serious doubt over whether he will be included in their squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
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