Brennan Johnson Praises Ex-Man United Keeper De Gea in Palace vs Fiorentina

Crystal Palace attacker Brennan Johnson has highlighted David de Gea as a major threat ahead of the club’s meeting with Fiorentina. Johnson praised the ex-Man United goalkeeper and warned teammates about the task in the Palace vs Fiorentina fixture.

De Gea’s credentials

De Gea spent 12 years as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper. He compiled 190 clean sheets across 545 appearances for the club.

The 35-year-old won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season. He left Old Trafford amid a controversial summer after a verbally agreed contract was withdrawn in 2023.

Return to Italy

After a year out, De Gea signed for Fiorentina in August 2024. He has since become a key figure and serves as club captain.

In Serie A this season he has kept six clean sheets from 31 league matches. In European competition he has two clean sheets in five Conference League appearances.

Recent performances

De Gea was influential in Fiorentina’s 4-2 Round of 16 win over Rakow. Manager Paolo Vanoli has relied on his experience in tight games.

Palace connections and rivalry

David de Gea will once again face Dean Henderson, a former United teammate. Henderson joined Crystal Palace in the summer after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Henderson cost Palace £20m. He played a decisive role in Palace’s recent FA Cup success by saving Omar Marmoush’s penalty in the 1-0 final win over Manchester City.

What Johnson said

Johnson has direct experience of De Gea from his time at United. He described the goalkeeper as top class and one of Fiorentina’s main strengths.

Context for the tie

Fiorentina sit 15th in Serie A, five points clear of the relegation zone. Despite the club’s league struggles, De Gea’s form offers them stability.

Filmogaz.com will monitor how those factors influence the Palace vs Fiorentina match. Expect a tactical battle where goalkeeping could decide the outcome.