Antonio Conte’s claim of not having a Jose Mourinho season must have garnered him much appreciation and lauds from quarters of media, but the Italian manager has failed to back his words. Some tactical mistakes coupled with the insipidity and lack of urgency shown by his players mean that Chelsea have yet again posed a poor title challenge.
Naturally, they will have to face the consequences of it and news has emerged that their numero uno keeper, Thibaut Courtois, is set to move to Spain sometime soon. Real Madrid reportedly have set their eyes on him and the Belgian international claims that his heart belongs at Spain. If and ever this move ever takes place, Chelsea will have to find a decent replacement for the Belgian.
They will undoubtedly fetch a hell lot of money with the goalkeeper’s departure and that means that they can invest this money in an already established star rather than spending time in developing a young starlet. Let us have a look at the possible options who can don the gloves at Stamford Bridge.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (A.C. Milan)
It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that Gigi Donnarumma is just 18 years old and will turn 19 on 25th February. At such a young age, he has already staked his claim as being one of the best goalkeepers in the world as the talent at his disposal is unavoidable. Blessed with some super quick reflexes, he is one of the best shot-stoppers in the game currently.
His abilities to stop the shots from long, as well as short distances, makes him a tough opponent to get the ball past from. His tall stature gives him an advantage from corners while the lad can also start off attacks with his immense passing play. Overall, he can be an upgrade on Courtois in coming years and is a talent worth investing in.
- Jack Butland (Stoke City)
A relatively less talked about player, but Jack Butland possesses talents that can put any goalkeeper to shame. The young lad is a rock at the back as his reflexes combined with his strength and awareness during crosses and corners have made him one of the best keepers in the Premier League.
Butland is safe with the ball at his feet as his passing from the box can be very accurate at times. He would cost lesser than Donnarumma and already has the experience of playing in the Premier League.
- Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Oblak’s future at Atletico will always remain under clouds as the Slovenian certainly deserves to win some more honours and titles in his career. Out of the three players listed here, Oblak certainly is the most talented, experienced and better equipped to take over Courtois’ role at Chelsea. Oblak has more dimensions to his game than perceived as the Slovenian is one of the safest bets with the ball at his feet.
His ability to make quick decisions from cramped spaces, along with the tendency to surge ahead to deal with balls coming into the box showcases bravery from his front. Oblak is an intelligent keeper too and often comes out as the winner in one-on-one situations as his decision making is almost precise most of the time. Chelsea might have to dig their pockets, but Oblak would be worth the money.