Quique Sanchez Flores believes David de Gea is in the top three goalkeepers in the world and has revealed his fellow Spaniard gave him a gift when he left Atletico Madrid.

Watford’s head coach is set to meet up again with De Gea on Saturday when the Hornets take on Manchester United at Vicarage Road and Flores spoke affectionately about a player he gave his debut to when he spoke to the media this afternoon.

“When I arrived at Atletico Madrid David was the third choice goalkeeper,” Flores reflected, looking back to 2009. “After one month he was the first choice.

“He was amazing six years ago at Atletico. You just had to look in training at how he kicked and handled the ball and how he performed.

“When you have this it is easy for the coach. He was a good player and he had to play.”

Asked about the progression of the 25-year-old, who appeared destined to join Real Madrid in the summer before signing a new contract at Old Trafford in September, the Golden Boys boss said: “De Gea is in a constant evolution. Years ago I thought he can be the best goalkeeper in the world.

“I am really pleased with his contribution when we were at Atletico. When we separated after two years he gave me a present. He is a lovely guy.”

And so to that gift. Flores explained: “It was a pocket watch. Very English. I have kept it. It happens with younger players. Once, at Benfica, David Luiz was waiting for me after a match.

“He waited for two hours for me because I was speaking to the sporting director. The only person left in the stadium was David Luiz. He said 'here you go coach'. And he gave me a signed shirt.

“These are amazing presents. I am here for the players and for the fans. So when they give me something, a t-shirt or a watch, wow. It is amazing."

Flores continued: “De Gea has everything you need to be a modern goalkeeper. He is the kind of goalkeeper who can play with his feet, he can pass. He is good in the goal and out of the goal and he is very clever. He has everything. He is in the top three best goalkeepers in the world.”

But while the Golden Boys’ boss is looking forward to meeting up again with one of his former charges, his pre-match focus will be solely on ensuring the Hornets can try and add to their tally of 16 Premier League points.

“With (David) Silva and Kun Aguero I waited until after the match,” he said of reuniting with two other star names he has managed when Watford lost 2-0 at Manchester City earlier in the season. “I don’t want to speak to the other players before the match. With my players, yes. With the opposition, no.

“I don’t want my players seeing me hugging the other players. So I will wait in my dressing room. After the match I will speak to and spend time with David de Gea.”