De Gea's World Cup fumble is 'unfortunate' says Fabregas
De Gea uncharacteristically gifted Cristiano Ronaldo his second goal of the evening in Sochi.
Ronaldo’s left-footed strike from the edge of the 18-yard area went straight at the Spain goalkeeper, but he could only fumble it over the line to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.
Fabregas says David De Gea is one of the best in the world and was surprised as anyone to see the error.
“Yeah we don’t, we don’t (see it often),” he said while working as a BBC pundit.
David De Gea made a big mistake during Spain's clash with Portugal (Image: BBC/GETTY)
David de Gea impresses with 80-yard assist for Spain
It’s unusual, it’s an unusual mistake. Me and Rio played with him, we know how good he is
Cesc Fabregas on Spain goalkeeper David De Gea
“For me he is definitely in the top-three goalkeepers in the world.
“Again it’s unusual, it’s an unusual mistake. Me and Rio (Ferdinand) played with him, we know how good he is.
“He gives the defence and the team in general so much confidence.
"It’s a shame, I feel bad for him.”
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David De Gea's mistake was uncharacteristic of the Man Utd goalkeeper, says Fabregas (Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand praised Cristiano Ronaldo for taking the chance to shoot.
“It shows you at any level, if you shoot and hit the target, you’ve got a chance,” Manchester United legend Ferdinand said.
“People can make mistakes at any level, the highest level, and this guy shoots more often than anyone else.”