Over time it’s become pretty clear that Luis Enrique isn’t David De Gea’s biggest fan. The Manchester United goalkeeper has faced repeated struggles throughout his career with the national team, dating back to the prolonged time it took for him to take over from Iker Casillas.
With De Gea excelling as one of the best goalkeepers in the world back then, Casillas continued to be picked, until finally the former Atletico Madrid man was given a prolonged chance.
In June 2019, De Gea was dumped from the Spain starting line-up in favour of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. He then had to be patient for appearances before being brought back into the regular eleven in 2020, as Kepa seriously struggled with his London club.
For the October international break, De Gea played two Nations League matches, and Kepa was given a friendly.
This month it’s been very different indeed, Athletic Club Bilbao’s Unai Simon was given his debut in a friendly against the Netherlands, and then started both the Nations League matches, with the Manchester United goalkeeper forced to watch from the bench.
After Spain’s 6-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday evening, Simon admitted he was surprised at becoming the regular starter.
AS quote him as saying: “I did not expect to play the three games in 
this international window, but I am very happy that the coach trusts me and gives me this responsibility. I do not know if I will be the goalkeeper of the European Championship but I do not think about it. There’s always controversy with the goal of Spain, but David, Kepa and I know how to handle the situation very well.”
David De Gea must now be in no doubt that whenever possible, Luis Enrique will look to other options.
