Roberto Martinez: Manchester United Keeper De Gea Will Dominate An Era

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed his compatriot David De Gea "is going to dominate an era" for both Manchester United and the Spanish national team.

De Gea moved to Old Trafford in the summer 2011 after the Premier League giants paid Atletico Madrid around £18.9m to secure his services, following the departure of Edwin van der Sar.

Even though the young goalkeeper struggled to establish himself as No.1 in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, he eventually won the battle with Anders Lindegaard, becoming a crucial player for the Premier League giants in the 2012/13 campaign.

With Spanish legend Iker Casillas closing in on international retirement, the United keeper is also expected to become the number one in Vicente Del Bosque's squad in the coming years.

The Everton boss is hugely impressed by De Gea, saying "he will dominate an era not just for Manchester United but also for Spain."

"Living through this period at Manchester United has given him the experience that most goalkeepers don't have until they are 26, 27 or 28 years old," Martinez said to The Independent.

De Gea's form was one of the only bright spots during David Moyes' time at Old Trafford and he has started the new season in even better form.

De Gea was Everton's tormentor in United's most recent Premier League game, saving a penalty from Leighton Baines in the first half of the game and making a tremendous stop to deny Bryan Oviedo in injury time.

"We have seen his talent before but now we are starting to see his confidence too," said Martinez.

"He made the team win that game [against us]. And if a goalkeeper is winning games for the team at that age it's not something to be taken lightly."