Atletico Madrid recently signed Miguel Moya from Getafe to become the replacement for Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international has been recalled by his parent club Chelsea. He spent the last three years at the Vicente Calderon during which time he became one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Moya has accepted this fact and says that replacing a goalkeeper of such immense stature will be difficult. The 30-year-old Spanish international has played for the likes of Getafe, Mallorca, and Valencia since making his debut in 2002. He has also made a couple of appearances for the Spanish junior national teams.
It is reported that he has moved to the Vicente Calderon for a fee of around € 3 million. He will also be fighting against Jan Oblak for first-team spot. The Slovenian international has come from Benfica for a fee in the region of £ 15 million. Despite being only 21 years old, he is regarded as a player who can potentially reach the level of Courtois in the next few years. Hence, it is expected that he will be given more first-team opportunities at the start of the season, but Moya is confident of getting game time.
Courtois has returned Chelsea and will be fighting for a place against Petr Cech, already regarded as one of the best in the world.
“Courtois is an amazing goalkeeper. It is amazing to see how mature he is for one so young. 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,” said Moya.