The 20 year-old former Athletico Madrid shot stopper has been impressive in training, showing excellent agility and kicking skills, with Smalling holding the popular belief among Manchester United fans in defence of De Gea, that his start with the club is a natural learning curve for a young, foreign player. Smalling told the Manchester United officla website:
"He has been training really well. We have played a few small-sided games this week and you could see his agility and his kicking ability. He is showing his quality in training and it is only a matter of time until the whole world sees it too."
"It’s all a learning curve and I think a lot of the foreign lads take time to get used to it."I think he’s settling in really well."
"A lot of the lads speak Spanish anyway but he is learning English, it's coming along, and that will help him. He is getting into the groove and I’m sure there are good things to come from him."They are encouraging words for United fans who have witnessed shaky performances from the goalkeeper in both the Community Shield, and the Premier League opener against West Brom in which De Gea was highly criticized for two sloppy mistakes.
Many claimed the criticism was unfair, and a lot of it was, as it did nothing for his confidence between the sticks, especially with the pressures of proving his £18.5 million transfer fee.
On Monday De Gea will have another chance to prove himself, this time in front of the Old Trafford crowd who will no doubt be 100% behind him, as United take on Tottenham. United were unbeaten at home last season as they clinched a 19th Premier League title, and the team will be hoping that unbeaten record at home can be upheld this year too, starting with a victory of Spurs.
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