29 Sep 2014 16:02:39
I saw some discussion further down the page about DDG being at fault for some of the goals we have conceded this season, and I can't help but think it is correct. While his reflexes are excellent, he is still vulnerable from crosses/corners. He will have to significantly improve in that aspect, thankfully age is on his side.

Just wanted to ask who people think is a better keeper at this point in time. De Gea or Courtois? I will go with Gav and say Courtois. His reflexes are on par with DDG's, but he commands his box better than David.

Deeps.

1.) 29 Sep 2014
I think it's harsh on DDG. He has begun to develop his game, especially his physical strength. However, it's hard for him because he is playing behind an ever changing back line. And this season, in particular, it has been very inexperienced.

If you look at Courtois, he has played behind a very stable and experienced back line at Athletico, and now he's got the protection of the best defence in the league. A lot of the poor decisions DDG has been making are because of uncertainty: he isn't sure if his defenders have things covered or if they expect him to come for it etc. The lad has a long way to go, but he will never develop the confidence and authority he needs unless we have a more stable back line in front of him.

2.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 16:39:14
Right now Courtois is the better keeper, but he is the only young keeper in front De Gea in world football right now. De Gea will develop his game lots before he peaks in his 30's and will be an amazing keeper just as Courtois will be.

3.) 29 Sep 2014
I think danny has it nailed on, I would love to see in his 100 games how many times the defence has been chopped and changed, its not so bad if its the full backs who are different but when the 2 centre half's are never a consistant pairing its got to be very difficult for him, given that i'm surprised he's progressed as well as he has and remember, every goalkeeper no matter how good will always make mistakes, its how they recover that's the important part.

4.) 29 Sep 2014
Hate to disagree with Danny but I'm with Deeps. DDG doesn't look too secure at the moment and his distribution is also proving to be a problem. I know he doesn't want to simply hoof it down the park but that is leading to him kicking it out of play or putting himself in difficult situations.

5.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 18:11:49
Courtois just shades it for me, but I totally agree with Danny. It is vital for a Goalkeeper to have a settled defence infront of him if he is to stand any chance of producing his best form.

David would look probably look just as good as Courtois if he was playing with the Chelsea defence infront of him.

6.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 18:28:01
AJH his distribution has always been top notch, I think the defensive reshuffles and nerves are affecting him as a very young keeper. 23 is no age for a goal keeper so for him to be playing and learning at United, is a huge compliment to his ability and will help him become a truly great goalkeeper in the coming years. We need to get behind him and keep supporting him, he saved us from a lot more embarrassment last year don't forget.

7.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 19:04:52
Danny is spot on, I don't think Courtois would be half the keeper he is now if he was behind a constant changing back line of ageing/inexperienced defenders.

No doubt as soon as we sort our defence out and get that area of our team settled he'll start to build on his game dramatically. He shouldn't really be targeted as a scapegoat for our awful defence at the moment, it'll achieve nothing but knock his confidence.

8.) 29 Sep 2014
Brendan, he has my support I think he has huge potential. My worry is he is learning his trade at a top club under immense pressure at a time of great change. He's certainly not a shrinking violet is he?

9.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 19:51:45
It will make a man of him my friend :-)

10.) 29 Sep 2014
Thanks for the replies! I was certainly not making him out as the scape goat, but yes, he has made a few errors. That said, I certainly think time is on his side and he will come good. Brendan is right, only Courtois amongst the young keepers is better than David as of now. I don't agree that Courtois won't be half the keeper if he didn't have a settled defence behind him.

Deeps.

11.) 29 Sep 2014
29 Sep 2014 20:34:23
Just to clarify, I'm right behind DDG and hope he continues to improve. But right now I'd take Courtois as I'm more positive about his all round game. The settled defence argument is valid but not definitive IMO.

12.) 29 Sep 2014
There's no disputing that DDG is a superb shot-stopper. His problem always has been, and continues to be, an inability to command his area. He's woeful at dealing with crosses and hardly ever comes off his line to deal with loose balls in the area. Seems that the goalkeeping coaches are trying to work on this which probably led to him trying to deal with the cross that resulted in the goal on Saturday.

Last season (presumably on instruction from Moyes) his distribution consisted of hoofing the ball up-field as far and quickly as possible. This season he's at least trying to find a team mate and build from the back. This will improve, but I have my doubts on his commanding his area.

Perhaps, rather than the back 4 (or 5) not inspiring confidence in him, its the other way round - by not dealing with crosses or loose balls often leads to defenders panicking in the area.

13.) 30 Sep 2014
Just look at Joe Hart, he is made out to be one of the best keepers in the world, or he was before he was found out, just because of Vincent kompany, he commands the defence and takes a lot of pressure off hart

14.) 30 Sep 2014
Just look at Joe Hart, he is made out to be one of the best keepers in the world, or he was before he was found out, just because of Vincent kompany, he commands the defence and takes a lot of pressure off hart

15.) 30 Sep 2014
30 Sep 2014 16:51:22
Deeps,

If Courtois had a settled back line behind him rather than infront of him then, statistically speaking he'd likely be the best goal keeper in the world ;)

16.) 30 Sep 2014
Ouch! Haha Ozwald, I actually thought more on the lines of a team formation that Fresh! may have posted ;-)

Deeps.