Arsenal legend David Seaman rates Thibaut Courtois over David de Gea

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has given Chelsea shot stopper Thibaut Courtois the edge over Manchester United’s David de Gea heading into this weekend’s showdown between the two Premier League clubs.

The question as to which young goalkeeper is the best in England has been the topic of debate since the Belgian arrived in London this summer following his loan spell with Atletico Madrid.

Courtois has displaced Chelsea’s long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech and played a significant role in the club’s pursuit of a Premier League title. While De Gea almost single-handedly kept United in the race for the top four during the better part of the season.

Seaman, who won nine major trophies with Arsenal and was capped 75 times by England, gave Courtois the edge over his Spanish counterpart when asked which goalkeeper he preferred during an interview with Sky Sports News HQ.

“For me it’s Courtois,” Seaman said. “He’s been solid and shown his class. At Chelsea you don’t get a great deal to do [as a goalkeeper], but when he’s been called on he’s been fantastic.

“De Gea had a really dodgy start, but he’s shown his character and he’s now showing everybody why Manchester United bought him. He’s a quality keeper who makes some fantastic saves.

“Going back to Courtois – apart from the goal he let in against Charlie Adam [the 60-yard strike] he’s had a great season. I’d tell him: ‘Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!'”

Programming note: Chelsea vs. Manchester United will be shown LIVE on Saturday at 12:30pm EST on NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra.