Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has turned to Edwin van der Sar’s former coach in an attempt to replicate the great success earned by the Dutch goalkeeper during his time at Old Trafford, as reported by the Daily Express.
Frans Hoek worked closely with the gigantic stopper during their time together at Ajax, and was, in fact, Van Der Sar’s first ever goalkeeping coach.
Together, they developed the former Fulham goalkeeper’s technique, which eventually led to a sensational four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy while he was with Man Utd, who he played for for six years.
Hoek has now made the move to Man Utd, like his former charge, having been appointed by new coach Louis van Gaal.
The duo worked together with the Dutch national side at the World Cup in Brazil, and Van Gaal has now brought him in to work with his current charges.
De Gea has been impressed so far, saying: “For me and the rest of the goalkeepers, it’s a new system.
“Training is new for us, but he knows everything about goalkeepers. He always stops the training and tells us what was good and what was bad and that’s important for us.
“The most important thing I have learned under him is about positioning. If you are in a good position, you have more time for everything.
“To be a goalkeeper for Manchester United, you have to be focused all the time. You may only touch the ball one time in a game, but you have to be ready.”