Welcome to #EuroRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is David De Gea in the top 25?
"Dave saves" says the banner at Manchester United's Old Trafford home, and it is impossible to avoid wondering where his club might be without a standard of goalkeeping that has De Gea challenging Germany's Manuel Neuer for primacy. This summer's Euros should at last see him granted the Spain gloves ahead of Iker Casillas, despite Spain coach Vicente del Bosque's loyalty to his former Real Madrid player, and two-time European and 2010 world champion. His towering yet stringy frame is capable of amazing feats of elasticity, and he is almost as comfortable with the ball at his feet as Neuer.
What the experts say about De Gea:
"I have to say he did a couple of saves. I have also said sometimes he is also there to stop shots or headers. But now he was remarkable because they were nearly goals I think. But he did fantastically." -- Former Man United manager Louis van Gaal after De Gea helped United earn a 1-1 draw at Chelsea in February 2016.
"Eric was adamant that we must take De Gea. I said, 'But Eric, the boy Neuer is the complete unit; he's mature, his physique is unbelievable', and he says, 'Yeah, but in three years' time, De Gea will be better.' I said , 'That's a statement.' " -- Sir Alex Ferguson on the advice he received from goalkeeping coach Eric Steele in 2011.
Career highlight:
After a mixed first season at United, De Gea swiftly became a fan favourite as United won the 2012-13 Premier League, Ferguson's final season in charge.
Stat of the season:
In May 2016, De Gea became the first player in the history of the club to win United's player of the year for a third consecutive season.
What next for De Gea after Euro 2016?
Real Madrid could try and revive their botched summer 2015 move for De Gea, but the presence of Jose Mourinho may keep him in Manchester for a while yet.
« Previous: No. 14, Antoine Griezmann | Next: No. 12, Sergio Busquets »