Thibaut Courtois

[mikeholiday 209]

His save on that deflected shot was top notch. So agile for his size.

[Madmax 9,219]

Indeed, I said 'GOAL!' the moment it took a nick off JT. Great reaction save made all the better because he'd been wrong footed. He must provide so much relief to the defence ... compare Cech's flapping at the ball to his self-assured cool catches.

[Special Juan 27,457]

Commanding his box brilliantly right now, such a huge presence in there. His reaction from the JT deflection was brilliant.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

He made them look easy, but I thought he made 3 very difficult saves. In the air, he was as awesome as ever. Great boost to have him back especially for Stoke away.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

He's a catcher of the ball and it's so underrated right now. When you see guys like Mignolet and even De Gea punching and parrying unnecessarily, it's often infuriating as a neutral.

[DH1988 1,319]

One thing he has improved, which I know a few of us were worried about from his Atletico days was his parries from shots and shots from wide into danger areas. Looks to have addressed that and parries into non-cluttered areas or into a Chelsea players path, it really is impressive. It cannot be done all the time but he's improved since he's been here which is a feat in itself no matter how much we feel sorry for Petr.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

One thing he has improved, which I know a few of us were worried about from his Atletico days was his parries from shots and shots from wide into danger areas. Looks to have addressed that and parries into non-cluttered areas or into a Chelsea players path, it really is impressive. It cannot be done all the time but he's improved since he's been here which is a feat in itself no matter how much we feel sorry for Petr.

Either himself, Mourinho, or Lollichon (assuming the latter works closely with Courtois) must've looked at De Gea. De Gea had more or less the same reputation when he was Atletico Madrid.. Everyone was a huge fan, from those in La Liga to those only watching other leagues. The Spaniard was an excellent shot stopper but wasn't great at dominating the area when he moved to England. This was because of the difference in the physicality of both leagues.

De Gea has learnt his lesson the hard way and is better in his 6-yard box. Courtois was instantly that good and that's the difference between De Gea and himself, the Belgian's adaptability is much higher.

[Styles 9,790]

Honestly, the biggest compliment I can give Courtois is that he reminds me of a prime Petr Cech. He dealt with Stoke's physicality with ease and claimed everything in the air.

[5354 204]

Didnt Courtois used to punch? Seems like our coaches is getting him to claim the ball instead.

[The Skipper 20,593]

King in the air and the way he commands his area to deal with crosses.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I've never seen a goalkeeper so fired up to come and deal with crosses, most keepers I train are usually shit scared and won't leave their six yard box, and when they do it's never to try and catch a ball. That being said, he is 6'6" and I guess it's a lot easier when you've got such a high ape index with arms the size of his!

[Atholy 1,293]

Good read:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/416956/Filipe-Luis-Chelsea-Thibaut-Courtois

[johnnythefirst 1,076]

I've never seen a goalkeeper so fired up to come and deal with crosses, most keepers I train are usually shit scared and won't leave their six yard box, and when they do it's never to try and catch a ball. That being said, he is 6'6" and I guess it's a lot easier when you've got such a high ape index with arms the size of his!

I think Oliver Kahn had the highest ape index of them all!

Don't know why. ^^

[Madmax 9,219]

high ape index

What is Bale's?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

What is Bale's?

Genuinely LOLed at that! :lol:

[Hamilton 2,120]

Thibaut's dad was taken to hospital on christmas. There was a problem with his blood vessels, so he was taken to the intensive care. The problem is now under control and he is expected to go home on monday.

[Stats 7,060]

Racking up the clean sheets now. Very impressive

[zolayes 14,489]

What is Bale's?

same level as his father Martin Keown a little lower than his uncle Peter Reid