Who are ya? David De Gea (Manchester United signing)

Let’s take a look at Atletico Madrid’s highly rated goalkeeper who is set to replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United. The 20-year-old wonderkid is from a small town called Illescas — a municipality 25 miles outside Madrid the population of which would fill the Stretford End at Old Trafford.
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has spent a year scouring the globe for the right man to succeed Edwin van der Sar, 40, who retired last month.
Fergie said:

We identified him quite a while back as one we should go for. He is a young keeper, very quick, has good presence and is an outstanding replacement for Edwin van der Sar.”

He helped Spain win the under-17 European Championship in 2007 and helped them come second in the U-17 World Cup later that year. He made his professional debut a couple of seasons ago against FC Porto in a Champions League Group game, three days later he made his La Liga debut against Real Zaragoza and gave away a penalty in the 19th minute which he later saved. After some errors by Segio Asenjo and the arrival of new boss Quique Sanchez Flores, he finished that year as the No.1 and also played in the UEFA Cup final against Fulham which Atletico won.
Last season he played in all 38 games and conceded 58 goals with a leaky defense in front of him and gave some impressive performances. He is nicked named “Van De Gea” by his team-mates due to his similarity with the Old Trafford legend.
Wiry and tall (6ft 4in), De Gea resembles a young Van der Sar, and no doubt Ferguson hopes his new stopper can play like him too, and for a very long time. They share attributes, certainly – both men are fine natural athletes, they’re both excellent with the ball at their feet, and they exude the supreme self-confidence that disarms opponents, particularly in one-on-one situations.
On recent evidence, De Gea is the real deal. He was very impressive for Spain’s Under-21s in their winning European Championship campaign, making key saves despite having little to do for long spells in games. If Fergie needed convincing at all of the young Spaniard’s qualities, events in Denmark did De Gea a big favour; he is no Massimo Taibi.
His spanish compatriots are full of praise for the young star. Real Madrid star Casillas reckons the youngster will soon be battling to take his place in the full international side despite more competition from Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Barcelona’s Victor Valdes