Michael Owen aims David de Gea jibe in Premier League Team of the Season debate

Michael Owen says David de Gea has not been among the top five goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

The Spaniard has come under criticism for some of his performances this season but won the Premier League Golden Glove after keeping 17 clean sheets. The latest was an impressive display against Bournemouth as United ran out 1-0 winners on the south coast.

De Gea is in talks with United about a new contract on a reduced salary. His position as the club's number-one goalkeeper for next season is uncertain, though.

And asked to name his Premier League Team of the Season, Owen debated his choice in goal, eventually selecting Nick Pope at Newcastle United. In his explanation he stated De Gea was never in the running.

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“There are a few set in stone (players who make the team of the season, such as Haaland),” Owen told Premier League Productions. “Whereas there are probably four or five goalkeepers that you could go for.

“Funnily enough, I probably wouldn’t put David de Gea in my top five this season. Ederson is on my bench. I think Alisson at Liverpool has been very good indeed. There have been lots of good goalkeepers.

“But I do think that Nick Pope has been exceptional this season. And one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.”

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