Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has likened himself to superhero Captain America…
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has compared himself with superhero Captain America, after likening his training regime at Old Trafford to that of the Marvel film star.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United Target Among Five Midfielders Wanted By Arsenal As Wenger Reveals January Plans
Top Four Teams With The Most Shots In The Premier League 2014/15 – Liverpool And Arsenal Surprisingly High
Eight Premier League Predictions For 2015: Chelsea To Win The League And Silverware For Liverpool or Spurs
De Gea, who is quoted by the Daily Express, said: “I was like Captain America in one year!” he said. “I still do the programme, although not as much as before. It is more of a reduced programme now but certainly I did a lot of gym work at the start and it did have a big impact.”
According to the source, De Gea’s improved strength has resulted in him being able to catch crosses rather than have to punch them.
His percentage of catches to punches has soared from 56.3 per cent in 2011-12 to 91.7 per cent in the current campaign, although he is adamant he has tried to catch rather than punch.
“You might have noticed it now but I think I have always caught them before,” he said. “You always work in training to try to catch the ball and that is always your first option.
“That is always the main aim of a goalkeeper. As I say, you might have noticed it this season but I have always tried to do that.”
De Gea, on course to be United’s player of the season for the second year running, admits learning English was also a key factor in his improvement over the last two seasons because it has improved communication with his team-mates on and off the pitch.
“I actually think the biggest impact [of learning the language] is when you are in the dressing room,” said De Gea.
“You need it on the field as well, of course, but you need it in the dressing room. The fact that I have started to do interviews in English has really helped as well, it has helped me to learn more of the language as well.”
SEE ALSO : Top 100 Sexiest Football WAGs In The World 2014.