Sir Alex Ferguson believes an improvement in David De Gea’s physique would help his game.
De Gea, whilst playing well now, has struggled at times this season with some teams targeting him because of his slight frame.
There is a perception that he is weak and sticking on him at set pieces is a fruitful tactic, as seen against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but Sir Alex believes a little bulking up will do his £18m goalkeeper a world of good:
“The boy has got talent. He’s lightning quick but has just found it difficult to adjust to some parts of the game here.
“It’s a matter of developing his frame. He’s doing a lot of work in the gym.
“If we can get maybe a stone on him without losing any of his flexibility or speed it would be a great boost to him.”
Everyone seems to think ‘bulking DDG up is the answer- even obviously Sir Alex, but I’m a little wary of this.
I think the idea that putting on weight will suddenly solve his crossing issues is over-simplifying the issue and not necessarily whats needed.
DDG is a superb shot stopper who’s slender frame helps him reach the sort of efforts other keepers can’t even get near. I’d focus more on training him to dominate his area more before I start feeding him raw eggs and getting pumping iron.
Its all well and good saying that he needs to dominate his area, but in order to do that he needs to have more of a physical presence.
Of course he needs to keep his speed and flexibilty, thats what Fergies says.
But in order to play in the Premiership where set pieces are a massive part of the game, a keeper needs to be able to push through a man or two and either punch or collect the ball.
Without this, he could be the best shot stopper in teh world but he will never make it in the English Game.