Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could lose Spain place to Kepa Arrizabalaga at World Cup

David de Gea could be dropped by Spain as manager Fernando Hierro looks to solve La Roja's defensive issues.

The 2010 world champions booked their place in the last 16 by finishing top of Group B on goals scored, finishing level on points with runners-up Portugal.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could lose Spain place to Kepa Arrizabalaga at World Cup

Despite finishing first, Spain have found life hard in Russia, with just one win from their opening three matches; that came against Iran, via a very fortuitous Diego Costa goal.

The biggest issues Hierro - placed in charge following Julen Lopetegui's sacking on the eve of the tournament - will have to solve are based in Spain's half of the pitch.

La Roja's attacking form has been good enough - six goals scored in three games - but they have looked woeful in the defensive phase of the game.

Portugal put three past Spain, before Morocco breached Hierro's backline twice on Monday evening.

De Gea, the goalkeeper, has faced six shots in Russia, and has saved only a single one, in the 2-2 draw with Morocco.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could lose Spain place to Kepa Arrizabalaga at World Cup

And, according to AS, Hierro is going to use training this week in an attempt to fix Spain's problems, with his thoughts reportedly turning to Kepa Arrizabalaga of Athletic Club as a potential replacement for De Gea.

It is written that 'the Manchester United goalkeeper's credit is exhausted', and Spain's defence are said to have a lack of confidence in De Gea.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could lose Spain place to Kepa Arrizabalaga at World Cup

Kepa, 23, has emerged as one of the finest glovesman in Europe since breaking into Athletic's first-team, and Real Madrid were in talks to sign the youngster last season having deciding to buy him rather than De Gea.

However, Kepa extended his contract with Athletic rather than move to the Bernabeu.

And now, with De Gea struggling on the international stage, Kepa could be handed the chance to show off his talents at the World Cup.

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