David De Gea turns 29: From sluggish start to No 1, relive his journey

David De Gea's rise to stardom was not an easy path. He battled inconsistencies, howlers and notably a failed transfer to become one of the best goalkeepers today. On his 29th birthday let's take a glimpse of his journey from Madrid to Manchester.

Also read | Wayne Rooney Visits Derby Training Ground As He Prepares For Move

David De Gea: Atletico Madrid

De Gea spent his youth with Atletico Madrid before making his debut in 2009.  After being made Atletico's first-choice goalkeeper, he helped the team win both the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010. In the 90th minute of the UEFA Super Cup, he saved a Diego Milito's penalty kick to help his side win 2-0.

David De Gea: Manchester United

Not so impressive start

After a lot of speculations, he joined Manchester United in June 2011 making his competitive debut for United against Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 7. Despite winning eventually, De Gea was caught out in the first-half by a header from Joleon Lescott. Things escalated later in the season when he was blamed by the media outlets for failing to deal with an aerial ball that led to a late goal by Grant Hanley in a 3–2 defeat to Blackburn. After this match, De Gea was dropped and replaced by United's second-choice goalkeeper, Anders Lindegaard.

Also read | Manchester City's Kyle Walker Turns Goalkeeper After Bravo Red Card

Rise to the top

After a difficult first season in England, David De Gea slowly started to mature and showing the level of consistency that is expected from a top goalkeeper. In 2013, De Gea's save to deny Sunderland's Emanuele Giaccherini during a 2–1 away win was described by as one of the best saves by many former players. In a home victory against Everton in 2014, De Gea made three important saves, including one penalty from Leighton Baines, to help United secure a 2–1 win. In 2017, in a 3–1 win over Arsenal, De Gea recorded 14 saves and equalled the mark the Premier League record for the greatest number of saves in a single game. 

As Manchester United were in a post-Fergie transitional phase, De Gea was the lone warrior who was getting the plaudits week in and week out. He bailed out United on several occasions in the past few seasons. And despite his performances dropping a notch last season he registered his 100th clean sheet for United on February 24, 2019, against Liverpool.

David De Gea: Failed transfer

In the summer of 2015, after a summer of speculation, David De Gea agreed to swap Manchester United for Real Madrid in a deal worth reported £29 million, only to see the deal collapse due to paperwork not being submitted before the transfer window in Spain closed. He has just signed a contract with United that extends up to 2023. It's safe to assume that De Gea will be between the sticks for United in the seasons to come. But can he help United get back to the top of world football again? Let's wait and watch.

Also read | Champions League: Red Star Vs Tottenham Match Report, Player Ratings

Also read | Champions League: Bayern Munich Vs Olympiacos Player Ratings, Result