I don't understand why anyone would go for Cech or Reina, both have dropped as many clangers as De Gea this season. As they are the experienced ones surely it is they who should be getting the stick with De gea some slack, for some reason it's the other way round. From City I'd have Hart but as we don't need a keeper I'd have to say Silva. From Arsenal Van Persie, no contest. From Chelsea - I'm genuinely struggling to name a player I'd have. Terry or Alex as centre half cover? From Spurs Parker - much needed defensive CM From Liverpool Enrique - much needed left back
I agree with you about the keeping skill and consistency, but for me De Gea isn't commanding his defence as much as wel need. With VDS in goal the defence seemed to be much more decisive at dealing with crosses and balls into the box, and much more organised. I think De Gea still needs to learn how to organise his defenders, particularly with Vidic now missing for the season. Good shout on Enrique btw - Evra definitely needs a kick up the arse right now.
I agree but it will come. There was one early corner from QPR yesterday where he was blocked out by one of our own defenders stood literally right in front of him. He needs to be able to position them where he wants and find his voice, otherwise I'm prepared to give him every chance and if he needs an occasional break we appear to have good cover.
It will definitely come, and he's showing signs of getting there, but I just wonder how much it will cost us as he develops. With a more experienced keeper between the sticks I reckon we wouldn't have conceded the goals against Basle that put us out of the CL. And whilst it's not cost us in the PL thus far, a badly organised defence could make the difference between 1st and 2nd if we're still close to City in April and May. That was what did for us in 01/02 when Barthez was more interested in pratting about than getting the defence together.