Courtois is the best goalkeeper in Europe – new Atletico Madrid man Miguel Moya

The player tasked with replacing the Belgian at the Vicente Calderon believes that his predecessor is number one on the continent in his position


EXCLUSIVE
By Ander Bilbao

New Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Miguel Moya has conceded that he faces a tough task replacing Goal 50 star Thibaut Courtois in the Spanish capital – describing the Belgian as the “best in Europe” in his position.

Courtois enjoyed a stunning 2013-14 season, winning La Liga and reaching the final of the Champions League – achievements that led him to finishing eighth in the Goal 50.

The 22-year-old has now returned to parent club Chelsea after three years at Atletico, with Getafe’s Moya brought in to replace the Belgian at the Vicente Calderon.

“Courtois is an amazing goalkeeper. It is amazing to see how mature he is for one so young,” Moya told Goal.

“At this time he is the best goalkeeper in European football without doubt. He is spectacular but also mature.

“Courtois’ shadow will loom large over Atletico, at least until the goalkeeper replacing him can show he can do just as well.

“Now I am here and if I am lucky enough to do well, people will forget about Courtois. This is the challenge and I think it has come at a good time for me.”

Moya, 30, also lavished praise on Diego Godin, who was the defensive inspiration behind Atletico’s incredible campaign and also made it into the Goal 50 in 24th position.

“We already knew he was a great centre-back, but last season he also added goals to his game too,” Moya noted.

“He is a leader, an organiser and is decisive defensively and offensively in the crucial moments. If Atletico had won the Champions League, he would have deserved a statue made of him. He scored at Camp Nou [on the final-day title-decider], in the Champions League final and against Italy for Uruguay in the World Cup.”

Moya concluded by commenting on another of Atletico’s star men from 2013-14 – Diego Costa.

The naturalised Spaniard who, like Courtois, will be playing at Chelsea next term, was also selected in the Goal 50 in 14th position.

“He is a special player,” Moya gushed.

“He was the reference point on the field and transferred to the team what the coach wanted. His energy rubs off on the rest of his team-mates. Everyone at Atletico played for him and he scored a great number of goals as a result.”

Click HERE to see the full list for the 2014 Goal 50

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