Manchester United's David De Gea 'Is the Messi of Goalkeeping,' Says Ben Foster

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been compared to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi by Watford stopper Ben Foster after his performance in the Red Devils' 2-1 win over the Hornets on Saturday. 

The Spaniard made two crucial saves that ensured his team claimed all three points against a Watford side who had won four from four before Saturday, and Foster hailed him as the best goalkeeper in the world, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:

"He is the Messi of goalkeeping. He has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years. He is absolutely brilliant now. Some of the saves he makes at really critical times are just breathtaking. He does it all the time. It's almost like he is not even bothered either. It would be so nice to pull those saves off, get up and it's almost like he just wants to go home. He can't be bothered.

"But seriously, he is brilliant. A top goalie, and if any young goalie out there wants to learn how to be a goalkeeper, watch David De Gea. He is world class."

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Foster himself enjoyed a decent performance against his former club, keeping his side in the game at 2-0 down.

However, De Gea's interventions played a bigger role in the outcome of the match.

He saved from Troy Deeney early on to keep the score at 0-0 before United netted twice late in the first half.

And a key intervention to keep out Christian Kabasele's header right at the death ensured United did not throw away three points.

No player has been more important for United in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era than De Gea.

The 27-year-old has been by far the club's most consistently brilliant player, and without him the Red Devils could potentially have ended up in mid-table a couple of times.

He was poor for Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, most obviously making a major error that led to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal in their 3-3 draw with Portugal.

But United fans will have been reassured by his performance against Watford that De Gea remains arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet, and he will be vital for Jose Mourinho's side as they aim to join the Premier League title race this term.