David de Gea has not had the best World Cup.
There is no denying that De Gea is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world and his consistent feats of brilliance between the sticks of Manchester United over the years have placed him as the very best in the eyes of several supporters.
So often, he has rescued points for United by taking to the air and clawing away a goal-bound strike and he started the World Cup as Spain’s undisputed No 1.
However, after a couple of mistakes in the group stage, calls were made to see him dropped for Sunday’s Round of 16 clash with hosts Russia.
De Gea started in goal, however, and while there was little he could do with the penalty that drew Russia level shortly before half-time, his performance still received plenty of criticism.
David de Gea was the only player in the first half of #RUS vs. #ESP who failed to complete a single pass.
Nine attempted, none completed. ✖️ pic.twitter.com/nhVveiha4V
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 1, 2018
The 27-year-old repeatedly failed to find a teammate with his passes from the back, failing to complete a single successful pass in the opening 45 minutes.
For a team which prides itself on possession and slick passing, De Gea looked like he’d been rattled by the negative press he’s received in recent days.
De Gea got close to two penalties in the shootout which saw Spain eliminated by the tournament hosts but he did not appear to be on his game on Sunday afternoon.
The Spanish stopper is clearly not accustomed to criticism since recovering admirably from a shaky start to life at United but supporters tore into his distribution during Spain’s final World Cup game.
David De Gea’s distribution is dire. Refuses to play the short ball.
— Luke (@Luke9320) July 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/BarnsIeyMaldini/status/1013428466337927174
De Gea’s distribution is horrible for how good of a shot stopper he is.
— Patrick Hall (@patrickkhall10) July 1, 2018
De Gea’s ball distribution is fucking atrocious. This is Spain we’re talking about who plays from the back for fuck sake 🙄 #WorldCup
— Martin (@MrBlazed12) July 1, 2018
De Gea’s ball distribution is horrible
— Moe (@MoeThe6th) July 1, 2018
De Gea with his bad distribution
— kojo! (@Komave) July 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/CeeJaeEm/status/1013429643293216769
https://twitter.com/iceyiyke/status/1013430547887067136
Has De Gea found a red shirt yet? Great keeper but his distribution has been vert poor here. #SPARUS
— Danny (@danny_motion) July 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Archim77/status/1013431012251111425
And the distribution ability of David De Gea is really pathetic. Will be the disaster against a particular team who fights for every second ball. This flaw is seperating David De Gea and 'Best in the world' term.
— bibek (@Piquesque) July 1, 2018
De Gea has been rubbish all tournament.
Even his distribution has been shit.— Otono-Tachibana (@l3udu) July 1, 2018
He also failed to save a penalty in the shootout as Spain crashed out of the tournament.
