Many consider David de Gea to be the best goalkeeper in the world.He has been nothing short of extraordinary throughout this season, and his performances for Manchester United this season were recognised by his peers as he was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on Wednesday.The Spaniard was ecstatic at being named in the side, saying: "I’m very, very proud to be nominated once again and I guess it’s a result of me having a good year on a personal note.“It makes you even more proud really when you know your fellow professional players have nominated you. It’s really a source of satisfaction for me.“I’m pleased with how my own performances have gone; it’s just a pity this season we have not won one of our big targets trophy-wise.“We’ve still got the FA Cup in front of us and must make sure we win a trophy and not just a personal accolade.”
CRAIG BELLAMY HAS CAUSED A STIR
Many would have not disputed De Gea being named in the team. But former Liverpool man Craig Bellamy has stated on Sky Sports that he would have picked Ederson in the team instead.
"De Gea is an outstanding goalkeeper," He said on The Debate.
"I love him, He's the one Manchester United player that would have got in that team for me.
"But I have to go Ederson. The transformation of what he's offered Man City has just been incredible.
"He's given them a new dimension. They look to play and he's just as good as anyone looking to play.
"Identifying one-on-ones up top and being able to clip balls and put teams in danger straight away just edged it for me.
"It was really really close, but due to his contribution towards the team, was enough for me to go towards him".
Wow. That's a controversial statement to say the least.
What he said about Ederson is actually very true.
Man City have had a torrid time with goalkeepers over the years. Joe Hart and Claudio Bravo have both had stints between the sticks and flattered to deceive. Willy Caballero proved to be a decent goalkeeper but he wasn't overly confident with his feet.
Ederson is the best ball-playing goalkeeper in the league, there's no doubt about that. He's had a terrific season, and looks set to be Man City's number one for many years to come.
But to say he deserves to be in the PFA Team of the Year over De Gea? That statement may be too much of a stretch.
That was certainly the view of most football fans on Twitter, who could not believe that Bellamy would have picked Ederson over De Gea.