Time for suspect stopper to prove he's number one

It's been the game of the season and with time running out, Chelsea have the chance to grab a famous victory over Manchester United after letting a 3-0 lead slip.

The brilliant Spaniard Juan Mata stands over a free-kick 20-yards from goal, knowing that if he strikes the stationary ball using all his style, technique and skill he can win the match with one swing of his coveted left-foot.

As 40,000 inside Stamford Bridge and millions around the world watch with bated breath the ball curls up and over the wall and is heading for the top corner and a famous victory.

Chelsea fans prepare to celebrate, their Manchester United counterparts begin to despair at coming so close, only to fall at the final hurdle, Mata looks on, following his shot, willing it into the net.

And then, at the last possible moment, a gloved hand darts out towards the ball, finger tips straining to their limits, and pushes it around the post.

The commentators scream out in shock and delight, "what a save" they shout and turn as one to the unlikely hero, now sprawled along the goal-line.

The much maligned David De Gea has saved his side from defeat with a wonderful save, a world class save, and it could just be the making of the young goalkeeper.

To say De Gea, a £15m summer from recruit from Atletico Madrid, has struggled since joining Manchester United is a massive understatement.

Handed the almost impossible task of replacing Edwin van der Sar, the Spanish U21 goalkeeper has been criticised for his unconventional style and his slim build.

The straggly 21-year-old has made elementary mistakes and regularly failed to deal with the high ball, which must have had a negative impact on his confidence.

However, the match-saving stop he made on Sunday will have had the opposite effect, boosting the morale of De Gea and, more importantly, the faith his team-mates have in him.

De Gea will get an extended chance to convince us, his club colleagues and himself that he is as good as Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he can be, because the injury suffered by Anders Lindegaard means he is now a definite starter.

The Danish international had commandeered the number one spot with a string of steady displays, but has been ruled out for a month with an ankle injury, meaning now is the time for De Gea to prove he is the Manchester United goalkeeper for the present, not for three-years down the line.

Goalkeepers pride themselves on getting back to their feet as quickly as possible when they make a save, so that they are ready to deal with the next shot at goal.

De Gea will have to do exactly that this week as he prepares himself for the next game because they don't come any bigger, it's Manchester United v Liverpool.

Do you think De Gea's save on Sunday was the turning point in his Premier League career or is he not cut out for English football? Will Manchester United beat Liverpool this weekend and what defenders do you think should make up a successful Fantasy League team? Have your say below!