Former Spain U21 coach Gabino Rodriguez insists Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea remains his country's best.
De Gea's Old Trafford woes have even put his place as Spain's No 1 in the spotlight, with increased pressure back home for Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon to be their Euros keeper.
But Rodriguez, now a respected pundit and coaching instructor, has no doubts boss Luis Enrique will stick with the United star — and is convinced it is the right move.
He told The Sun: “Everybody in Spain is speaking about Simon but for me De Gea is the undisputed No 1 goalkeeper for the Euros.
“David is an icon in Spain, he's had the same impact the legendary Luis Arconada had in his playing days.
“When I worked with him at the Under-21s, we had players like Thiago Alcantara, Cesar Azpilicueta, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata — but De Gea was a leader in that team.
“That's very rare for a goalkeeper, but although David gives the impression of being a bit cold, that's wrong. He is totally the opposite.
“David is a very focused, relaxed and confident person, who doesn't stress himself out or show any nerves. But he was also a leader.
“Working with him was a massive pleasure for all of the coaches. There were never any complaints but a real hunger to learn.
“He was repeatedly asking the whys and whats of each drill, just because he wanted to know how each was improving him.
“His career says everything about how good he is — but it is very easy for others to start talking nonsense about him when things are going wrong.
“And don't forget he's still only 30 so has plenty of time ahead of him. He has just been suffering because of others."
