DAVID DE GEA'S MAN UNITED EXIT PAVES THE WAY FOR TEN HAG'S TACTICAL TRANSFORMATION

England's two most dominant teams of the past five years have exploited the ball-playing qualities of their keepers. Ederson, at City, and Alisson, at Liverpool, look as comfortable with the...

Replacing David de Gea won't be easy. No Premier League goalkeeper kept more clean sheets last season than De Gea, who announced his departure on Saturday, and in 12 years at Manchester United, he was named the club's Player of the Year on four occasions. He leaves United as a legend, having been part of its last league title-winning team and lifting four major trophies with the club. But his exit also paves the way for a transition that many fans feel is long overdue.

At his best, De Gea was a match-winning shot-stopper with the agility and speed of reaction to pull off astounding saves. In recent years, however, he has looked like a player out of his time as soccer has demanded more from keepers, with Manchester City and Liverpool two standout examples of how the position has been transformed.

England's two most dominant teams of the past five years have exploited the ball-playing qualities of their keepers. Ederson, at City, and Alisson, at Liverpool, look as comfortable with the ball at their feet as they do with their hands. Their composure in possession and the precision of their passing adds another dimension to their teams.