De Gea to miss World Cup as Man United star fails to make provisional Spain squad

According to Spanish publication AS, Luis Enrique's selection currently includes five goalkeepers, meaning that the Manchester United stopper is regarded as being potentially sixth choice for his country.

Advertisement

De Gea has won 45 caps for Spain but has found his international hopes dashed in recent years after being continually left out by Barcelona legend Enrique.

With the head coach preferring a goalkeeper with ball-playing qualities, De Gea is now behind the likes of Brentford's David Raya, Athletic's Unai Simon, Brighton's Robert Sanchez, Chelsea's Kepa Arrizibalaga and David Soria from Getafe.

Advertisement

Enrique spoke earlier this year about his options between the sticks and gave some insight into the reasons why De Gea might be set to miss out.

Speaking in June, Enrique said: "I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them.

"Honestly. I wouldn't have an issue with any of the three of them starting.

Advertisement

Advertisement

"Unai has accumulated some interesting experience. A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.

"I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn't mean they won't make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot."

With De Gea also in the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford it means that he's facing a pivotal time in his career as he looks to prove himself as one of the top goalkeepers in European football.