IS IN, JOSE KEEPER SNUBS ARE A MATA OF CONCERN

JUAN MATA has hailed David De Gea as the best goalkeeper in the world and believes his fellow Spaniard does not get the credit he deserves.

De Gea has been outstanding for Manchester United this season but did not make the 15-strong shortlist for FIFA’S Goalkeeper of the Year, which went to Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon.

The Spain No.1 was 20th in Ballon d’or voting, after being on the shortlist for the first time, and has made the last three PFA Premier League Teams of the Year.

United midfielder Mata thinks De Gea is undervalued outside England.

He said: “I don’t know why some people don’t appreciate him and how good he is. He’s not always on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world, or whatever these awards are, and, for me, it’s definite.”

Reds boss Jose Mourinho rated De Gea (left) the best keeper on the planet when he single-handedly kept Arsenal at bay in a 3-1 win with 14 saves, to equal the Premier League record.

“He is fantastic,” Mata told United Review. “He has an incredible talent and has shown that in every single game in every single season, which is so difficult to do.

“His consistency is what makes him the best or one of the best. He has to be in the top three, top two or top one.

“For me, he’s the best and it would be nice if more journalists – not just in England as he’s very well appreciated in England – but in different countries, realised how good he is.”