De Gea's drop shot praised by a tennis legend
As one of the most accomplished and legendary goalkeepers in Manchester United history, it is fair to say that David De Gea’s hand-eye co-ordination is outstanding.
When he is not making saves, the Spaniard puts his famous skills to use in other areas: he can play the drums, for example, and has been known to shoot three pointers on the basketball court.
Now, as De Gea’s followers on social media have seen, his reflexes and lightning-fast reactions have allowed him to shine at tennis, developing what looks like an impossibly deft drop shot from the net.
In the video below, shared by David on Instagram and Twitter, the 30-year-old can be seen receiving Juan Mata’s cross-court shot with a backhand chop that leaves Andreas Pereira grasping at thin air.
De Gea’s drop shot wouldn’t look amiss on Centre Court and his Spanish amigo, Mata, was clearly impressed, judging by his comment on IG: “@RogerFederer would be proud,” he wrote.
Almost ready for the @usopen 😜🎾 @atptour , do you think I'm on time to get a wild card? pic.twitter.com/Nbjnso1id3
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 17, 2021
Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray has also offered his seal of approval for the shot.
As you can see below, David appears to be buzzing about the prospect of playing with the British sporting icon.
Date and time, please! 😍 https://t.co/5YjuQ75yYO
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 17, 2021
EXCITED BY THE FUTURE
De Gea made his first appearance of the season on Saturday and a 442nd in a United shirt, beginning what is now his 11th campaign at Old Trafford.
While it was a relatively quiet match for David, as the Reds ran out convincing 5-1 winners over Leeds United, he looked sharp whenever called upon.
As he recently explained, De Gea says his confidence is high and he’s determined to grasp silverware this season. “It’s been a lot of years at the club and a great source of pride for me to have been able to play for a club like Manchester United for so many seasons now.
“But you have to live in the present, I think I still have a lot of years ahead of me at the club, I’m excited about that, feeling strong and I’m very keen to do well. I feel great in myself, high in confidence and I think it should be - and has to be - an important season for all of us.”
De Gea's smart save to his left
It was a quiet game for David De Gea against Leeds, but our no.1 looked sharp when called upon...
De Gea is currently preparing for United's second match of the season, against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Sunday.
That match kicks off at 14:00 BST and will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports.