28 points in 13 games. Fiorentina supporters were of course hoping, but no one in Italy believed before the season that last season’s 8th best club would be in the fight for the Serie A title and Champions League ticket in early December. A big part of the explanation for this season’s surprisingly strong results, just 1 point behind league leader Napoli, is a Manchester United legend.
David de Gea reluctantly left Manchester United as the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, followed by a season without match training. The Spaniard turned down a number of offers, including from Saudi Arabian money bins. In August, the choice fell on Fiorentina. A club rich in tradition, but still not a big club.
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De Gea had seen something going on at the Serie A club that the rest of us didn’t notice.
-I received many offers, but I wanted to play in Italy. The negotiations were simple. Fiorentina was the best alternative,” De Gea said, according to Goal.
This was in August.
Last weekend, Fiorentina led 1-0 against Como until the 59th minute. Then De Gea saved the result with three incredible saves in a row inside the 6-metre box. After de Gea’s saves, just 8 minutes later, Moise Kean of Fiorentina scored the second goal, and Fiorentina won the game.
Here are the compelling stats David de Gea has in Serie A so far this season:
- The goalkeeper who has conceded the fewest goals in the league: 7 goals
- The goalkeeper who has kept the most clean sheets since he arrived: 5 times
- Made 33 saves, averaging 3.3 saves per game
- The goalkeeper who prevented the most clear goals in the league, with 3 key saves!
In just two years, David de Gea has turned 180 degrees. He regained his confidence, restored his form to a very strong level and rediscovered the joy of football. What de Gea has done is truly remarkable!
The Spaniard was named the league’s best last season in the Premier League, now the 34-year-old is without a doubt the best in Serie A on course for an unlikely league title with Fiorentina.
Everything you need to know about De Gea’s matches
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