Full Name: Thibaut Courtois
Club: Chelsea (on loan at Atletico Madrid)
Country: Belgium
DOB: 11 May 1992 (age 22)
Height: 6 ft 6 in
When it comes to competing at the highest level, every team needs a world class goalkeeper that they can depend on in the toughest of situations. Belgium are a country on the rise and there are heavy expectations on their youthful squad going into this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Standing as their last line of defence is a monster of a keeper with a huge reputation thanks to his performances this past season - Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois is currently a Chelsea player, although he spent last season on loan with Atletico Madrid. This season saw his temporary club lift the La Liga title and play in the Champions League final. For a club competing with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid on the domestic front, the clubs achievements are astronomical. On performance alone, Courtois went from a potential talent to one of the best goalkeepers currently in the game.
His stature alone is scary. At 6 ft 6 in he has a huge presence and controls his box in aerial duals. But it is his ability to get down low and save shots that really sets his game apart. Normally, big keepers have the weakness of not being able to dominate in close situations, but the Belgian has proven his worth when it comes to being fast and using his reactions in key situations.
For those that might have missed it, Courtois actually played against his parent club, Chelsea, in the semi-final of the Champions League this season and was a key component in Atletico’s victory. After the draw was announced, many wondered if he would be eligible to play but UEFA made it clear he was legally permitted to play.
When it comes to the international front, Courtois will be leading the Belgian backline and there are heavy expectations on his shoulders. Given his performances through the 2013/14 season, there is no doubt he is up to the challenge and his role in the squad could see his country going far. With a youthful side in front of him, including inspirational Man City center back, Vincent Kompany, keeping clean sheets could be the key to success. This season, he only conceded 24 goals in 37 games, with an incredible coefficient of 0.65 conceded per game!
Thibaut Courtois currently wears the Nike Magista Opus
In the Champions League final, Courtois made the switch from his regular Nike CTR360 Maestri to the new Nike Magista Opus. The Opus is the regular version of the Magista Obra that has caused quite a stir in recent weeks. You might be familiar with the Obra being the boot that features a mid-cut collar and Flyknit upper. Rather than wearing the high-end premium model, Courtois decided has switched to the regular cut Opus that is sure to be worn by an excess number of players over the coming months.
Given the lightweight nature of the Opus, they might not have the make-up of a typical goalkeepers boot. That is simply down to the written specs of the boot, but in reality they make a perfect companion to a keeper that values agility and the ability to move laterally at speed. The adidas Nitrocharge is another boot that holds similar properties and has the make-up of a perfect keeper’s shoe. As a Nike endorsee, the Opus provides the most suitable competing option and they already look at home on his feet. There is a chance he might switch back to the soon to be retired CTR360 range if comfort is an issue, but we highly anticipate seeing the shot stopper wearing the Magista Opus come kick-off in Brazil.
