De Gea is 'the best in the world'

The pair have a good relationship, on and off the pitch, and will both be pleased with the clean sheet in the 1-0 victory Crystal Palace last time out.

De Gea's form earned him November's Player of the Month award, as voted by the fans, and Sweden skipper Lindelof is adamant the 31-year-old is one of the best in the game in his position.

"He’s been absolutely world class and, in my opinion, he’s the best in the world and he’s been showing that this season," declared Lindelof, in an interview with club media. "He’s been absolutely brilliant and saving a lot of balls and helping us a lot.

"I’m very pleased for him and we have a very good relationship, on and off the pitch, so I’m very happy for him.

"It’s very important [having that relationship] and like I said we have a very good relationship off the pitch as well. The communication as well – we speak Spanish and Portuguese to each other, which is important. You know he is always behind you and if there’s a mistake or they [the opposition] get through, then he’s always there to protect you and that’s always nice to know that David has your back."

When it was suggested there are few better at shot-stopping on the planet, Lindelof replied: "No, of course not, as I said, he’s world class and he’s the best for me. His reactions and everything are phenomenal, everything about his game, with the ball at his feet, he’s very good.

"I’m saying it again – world class."