Where David de Gea now ranks among Europe’s best goalkeepers after leaving Man United, his comeback is sensational

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David de Gea has gone from strength to strength since making his comeback at Fiorentina.

After winning four Player of the Year awards at Manchester United, David de Gea left in 2023, ending his 12-year spell at the club.

De Gea found it difficult to find a new club after leaving the Red Devils, but after a one-year break he made his return in Italy with Fiorentina.

After taking some time to settle in, David de Gea is now the first-choice goalkeeper at Fiorentina with 11 appearances and four clean sheets so far in 2024/25.

United fans have been blown away by De Gea, but there can be no complaints about his replacement at Old Trafford with Andre Onana currently leading the Premier League in clean sheets this season.

David de Gea has been ‘world-class’ at Fiorentina

United fans know better than anyone that De Gea is one of, if not the best, shot-stoppers in world football.

He was exceptional during his time at United, but there were some noticeable flaws such as his passing and penalty record.

However, he seems to have addressed some of his flaws with De Gea producing penalty heroics for Fiorentina last month.

Italian media have hailed De Gea as “world-class” after his fantastic start in Italy, and he is showing no signs of slowing down after picking up an assist in their recent 3-1 win over Hellas Verona.

De Gea has helped Fiorentina to a six-game winning streak in Serie A with the club only one point off league leaders Napoli.

David de Gea rated as the best goalkeeper in Europe this season

Onana has been “incredible” for United this season, but WhoScored have revealed that De Gea is currently the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

READ MORE: David De Gea shows he still loves Manchester United after sending six-word Instagram message

The 34-year-old has averaged a rating of 7.28 across all his performances this season. For context, Onana’s average rating has been 6.64 on the same platform.

They claim that De Gea’s strengths this season have been his shot-stopping, saving close-ranged shots and his penalty saving – something United fans wish was the case in the 2021 Europa League final.