David de Gea: Manchester United star wants to become world's best goalkeeper

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has expressed his ambition of becoming the No 1 goalkeeper in the world. He has been in exceptional form in the last two seasons, winning the club's Player of the Year award for two years in a row. He also was included in the PFA Team of the Year last term.

The 25-year-old is the second-choice goalkeeper for Spain behind FC Porto's Iker Casillas, the former Real Madrid star who has held that position for over a decade. He has won the World Cup and also the European championship with the national side.

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer is rated the best goalkeeper in the world. The former Atletico Madrid man is looking to beat the German international to become the best player in the world in his position. "Well, yes, I guess that's the ultimate aim," De Gea told United's official website. "I try to train and I try to play in games and to do the best I possibly can in order to attain that level and to be able to make it."

"Of course, getting to be number one keeper in the world is a tough ask because there are loads of goalkeepers out there and some very good ones, too. But I always try to give my very best to reach that standard."

United face Swansea City in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on 2 January. Louis van Gaal has failed to beat the Welsh club. With the Red Devils' winless streak in last eight fixtures, De Gea has urged his teammates to push for a win on 2 January.

"They are a good side. They are the sort of team that likes to play football and enjoy possession of the ball. It's true that last season they made life difficult for us and we lost both games against them," the Spaniard added.

"I know we haven't done so well against them in the recent past, but it's a new year and so we'll obviously be giving it everything at Old Trafford in front of our own fans in order to secure the win."