Luis Enrique has undoubtedly extracted the best out of his Spanish national team since returning to the coaching role in November of 2019.
For the first time since 2012, La Roja has advanced to the semi-finals of a major event, indicating that they are capable of competing with the best in the world.
However, he continues to do so in his own unique style. Luis Enrique, who isn’t afraid to take brave decisions, has chosen and left out players who he wants, rather than those who should be there.
David de Gea is a well-known example. Despite being crowned player of the season at Old Trafford, the Manchester United goalkeeper was left out of the squad and now Unai Simon has been the number one goalkeeper for quite some time.
Currently, Simon is in the team alongside David Raya of Brentford and Robert Sanchez of Brighton, three players who Luis Enrique is happy to play with.
Luis Enrique’s had a press conference before their Sunday match against the Czech Republic, and he possibly clarified why de Gea is no longer his first option.
As reported by Marca, he said:
“I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them. Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting. Unai has accumulated some interesting experiences. A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.”
“I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot.”
Despite his many qualities, De Gea has never been the strongest under a high ball, nor has he been as comfortable with the ball at his feet as some others.
It’s apparent that Luis Enrique trusts Unai Simon a lot more, despite the fact that he makes mistakes. The Manchester United goalkeeper is annoyed by the fact that his record number of saves this season, is not helping him win a place in the starting XI of the national squad.
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, David de Gea was underwhelming and was replaced as the team’s number one goalkeeper by Unai Simon. Simon’s calmness on the ball has seen him overtake De Gea as Spain’s starting goalkeeper, despite his young age, and it appears that this trend will continue for a long time.
For Luis Enrique, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has proven to be an effective communicator and a better defense organizer. De Gea was the only positive for United’s weak defense this season, but that was not enough for him to win the trust of the Spanish coach.
