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Thursday, 18 July 2019

Player Profile - Thibaut Courtois


At just 25, Thibaut Courtois – alongside David de Gea – has claim to be the best keeper of his generation. The Bree-born Belgian is among the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League and European football in general. With over 50 caps for his country, too, he’s a stalwart at the back and has helped to play a key role in title successes at Genk, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. 
 
In July 2011, he left Belgium after helping his youth club Genk win the Belgian Pro League title. At Genk, he made a name for himself as an uncompromising stopper; when he signed for Chelsea for just £8m, he was immediately loaned to Atletico Madrid. In Madrid, he ensured that his future as Petr Cech’ successor was secure.

His key performances across a three-year stint seen him win the Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga title from 2012-2014. He also was a major part of the team which reached the UEFA Champions League final; even helping to put out parent club Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Since returning to London, he’s been a major part of their growth across a trophy-laden four-year spell. He’s won the League Cup and two Premier League titles, securing his position as a keeper who plays a key role in winning tiles.

While his passing may not be as good as other modern keepers, his outstanding reflexes more than makes up for that. Often making saves that he simply would not be expected to as well as staying concentrated for that one key moment when he is called into action, Courtois is the personification of a top-club keeper.

Never flustered from moments of pressure and rarely, if ever, caught dreaming, he’s a key part of Chelsea’ continued, lasting success.