World Cup 2014 News: Manchester United Keeper David de Gea Hopes To Earn Place With Spanish National Team After Víctor Valdés Injury

It’s no secret that Manchester United has not played up to form this year in the competitive Barclays Premier League, just a year removed from claiming another English title, but while a majority of the roster has failed to recapture top-level form, one member of the BPL squad has been strong right from the get go. A strong contender for the Manchester United Player of the Year Award, 23-year-old keeper David de Gea remains a popular figure at Old Trafford due to his overall consistency between the pipes. Posting 11 clean sheets this season while collecting 87 saves in 32 games, the Madrid native hopes his fantastic play earns him a place at this summer’s World Cup.

Expected to put forth another strong showing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Spanish National team will feature one of the most talented rosters in the tournament, even without the services of veteran goaltender Víctor Valdés, who will miss the summer games after suffering a knee injury. While captain Iker Casillas and Napoli star Pepe Reina still remain as strong figures on the national team, de Gea is now focused on continuing his hot play as Man U’s No. 1 goalie, something he hopes will lead to a place on Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup roster.

“Victor Valdes has picked up an injury and the first thing to say is that’s an absolute shame and not something you would wish on anybody, least of all him,” the Manchester United star said recently. “It’s an awful situation, but perhaps it might open the door for me to be at the World Cup. I’ve been very happy with my form and I’ve felt very confident. I’ve played a lot of games. I’ve learnt a lot and gained consistency and stability. I’m pleased with how things are going for me, but we’ve got to improve as a group.”

De Gea joined Manchester United in 2011 after successful seasons in 2010 and 2011 with Spanish Primera Division giants Atlético Madrid. Though his experience on an international level with Spain runs deep, the rising star has not been able to crack into the top Spanish team squad, something that certainly appears to be an option due to his continued success and unfortunate injury to Víctor Valdés.