Keepers To Inspire Manchester United Youngster David de Gea

David de Gea hasn't been the most consistent goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, but the Manchester United youngster is touted for big things, and he is desperate to prove he was worth the punt by Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.

De Gea had big shoes to fill, in the form of legendary stopper Edwin van der Sar, and with that has come the pressure to match.

But just as van der Sar has said in the past that he thinks de Gea has what it takes to be a top Premier League and international keeper, the 21 year old believes he has a long career ahead of him at United.

"I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United," he said, as reported by Sky Sports.

"I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history."

De Gea made an incredible save at the weekend to help United to a 3-3 draw with Chelsea, and showed Ferguson just why he should someday be worth the gamble, and Van der Sar's Champion predecessor Peter Schmeichel himself has touted the starlet's skills and potential.

Spanish keeper and top Premier League star Pepe Reina has even weighed in on the debate this season, saying that De Gea is the future of Spain as well as United.

"It is typical that the critics smell blood when there is a mistake," he said last August, as reported by Goal.com.

"But if Mr Ferguson has put his trust in him by signing him then it seems logical that he will settle and be a quality signing for them."

Even Spain number one keeper Iker Casillas believes that De Gea will come good, but he needs time to mature first.

IBTimes UK takes a look at five keepers that De Gea will be looking to for inspiration as he continues to improve for United.

Casillas is the captain of Spain and Real Madrid, and will be a big inspiration for De Gea for his development of both sides. Casillas himself believes that the 21 year old will become better with time, he just needs to mature and grow. 'He is only 20. He has a long road ahead of him but he is a great person and a good professional,' he said. And United is one of the best clubs to be at if a player wants to develop their skills.

Valdes was not long ago in the same boat as De Gea; when the Spanish keeper moved up from the Barcelona B team in 2002, he was just 19 years old and unproven on the big stage. Five La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies later, at just 29 he is touted as one of the best keepers in the world. He still struggles to get a mention for Spain with Casillas around, but De Gea will learn a lot from the Catalonian over development within club football, even if it isn't in the Premier League.

Van der Sar may be out of the picture at United, and isn't planning on returning any time soon, but his skills will no doubt be an inspiration for De Gea. The Dutchman has regularly defended his successor, and gave him the advice this week that he needs to learn to deal with some of the highest pressure of any footballer. “It's always difficult if you're coming into a new club and new league, especially the English one,” he said. “It's a very demanding one, can be a very tough one. He has to deal with that. They paid a lot of money for him and he has to come through that.”

Schmeichel has joined the chorus of ex United keepers over the season who believe in De Gea's ability, with the former stopper telling reporters in August: 'This is United and Old Trafford. It's different. I have watched De Gea play in Spain and every time I saw him I was very impressed. He was impressive in the Under 21 Championship in the summer, too. But, as I say, this is different; even if you played at a club with a lot of pressure, like Atletico Madrid.'

Reina has long touted the abilities of De Gea, even though he plays for United's biggest rivals. And he has even told the youngster that he is there if he needs any advice. 'I don't know him personally – we have played against each other a few times but I don't have a problem with whatever he needs,' Reina said. 'I imagine that he can get my telephone number from any friend that we have in common.'