Spain boss Luis Enrique rounds on De Gea critics after Germany draw

Spain boss Luis Enrique heaped praise on the performance of David de Gea after the Manchester United goalkeeper helped his side to a 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Germany.

De Gea – who is coming under pressure over his Old Trafford starting spot following the return of Dean Henderson to the club – made a number of fine saves in Stuttgart as the two European heavyweights started their campaign with a draw.

There was nothing the United stopper could do about the opening goal from new Chelsea signing Timo Werner, but a last-gasp equaliser from full-back Jose Gaya ensured that Germany are still without a Nations League win after five attempts.

De Gea impressed across the 90 minutes, including making a fine stop from Werner.

And after the match Enrique rounded on the critics of both him and his No.2, the Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, claiming that the Spanish pair are unfairly singled out in England.

“He [De Gea] has played a lot of games like this in England,” said Enrique after the match.

“We monitor him exhaustively, but he and Kepa are in the news if they make a mistake. They’re used to it.

“With the game he’s played we should be saying what a great goalkeeper we have.

“I’ll encourage them to not fall apart and it’s a position that I demand a lot from.

“But because the press give them such a hard time, I treat them more affectionately.

“They both know that their mistakes are more noticeable than those of other players, but they’re used to it.”

Spain’s next Nations League match will see them host Ukraine on Sunday.

Does De Gea get too much criticism? Have your say in the comments below

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