De Gea’s got the edge over Cech: Burridge

SINGAPORE — He may have been pipped to the Premier League Golden Glove award by Petr Cech in the final game of the season, but Manchester United custodian David de Gea will get the perfect opportunity to make amends, and get one over his Arsenal counterpart tonight.

That is because the duo, widely regarded as two of the best goalkeepers in the world, are likely to face off with each other again when Spain takes on the Czech Republic in their opening European Championship Group D fixture.

While the outfield players such as Spain’s David Silva and Czech Republic’s Tomas Rosicky might capture the headlines, the outcome of the game could very well hinge on whichever team’s goalkeeper performs better on the night.

It is an intriguing battle — the experienced Cech, a four-time Premier League medallist and Champions League winner, going up against De Gea, a player whose star has risen meteorically over the past two seasons following his sterling performances for the Red Devils.

And ex-Crystal Palace and Newcastle United goalkeeper John Burridge, who was also previously Singapore’s national goalkeeping coach, believes the Spaniard will be the one to come out on top in this clash.

“It’s a battle between two world-class goalkeepers, but between them at the moment, I’d pick De Gea,” said Burridge to TODAY via a phone interview from London. “He’s (De Gea) been in excellent form throughout the season and managed to save Manchester United on so many occasions with some stunning stops.

“As for Cech, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper but he hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory this season. Too often, he’s been easily beaten at the near-post from 25 yards out, and he’s made several mistakes which have cost Arsenal precious points that could have put them in serious contention for the title.

“So based on form alone, I think De Gea is the better keeper now and will be important for Spain not only in this game, but throughout the tournament. But don’t write Cech off yet. I’ve seen him play since he was young so I know how professional and dedicated he is, and he could still make the difference for his country.”

However, Burridge concedes that the recent scandal surrounding De Gea could prove to be an unwelcome distraction for the 25-year-old.

De Gea was reportedly named by a protected witness in connection to a sexual assault case which is currently being investigated by Spanish police as part of a wider operation into a child prostitution ring.

While De Gea has since denounced the allegations as “all lies”, Burridge warns that the negative vibes from this controversy could have a destabilising effect on the Madrid-born star.

“This scandal has put a cloud over De Gea and it will be a massive test of his character when he stands on the pitch in front of so many opposition fans,” said Burridge.

“He might have brushed it off in the media, but I’m sure it will still affect his psyche somehow. It’s hard to be fully focused when you’re involved in such a situation.

“But at least De Gea has a very strong mentality. He’s shown that mental fortitude time and again during his career, especially when he was struggling during his initial years at Man United. That strong mind-set and willpower can help him get through this.”