World Cup Qualifier: In-Form Slovenia Goalkeeper Jan Oblak Out To Frustrate England

World Cup Qualifier: In-Form Slovenia Goalkeeper Jan Oblak Out To Frustrate England
13:16, 05 Oct 2017

When it became increasingly apparent that Chelsea would not entertain the permanent sale of Thibaut Courtois during his loan stint at Atletico Madrid, the La Liga side knew they had to bring in a goalkeeper capable of replicating the Belgian’s exploits between the sticks in the Spanish capital. The Blues acquired Courtois in 2011 from Genk before loaning him to Atletico as a replacement for the departing David De Gea.

The Belgium international showcased his immense potential under Diego Simeone and it was no shock that Atletico looked to make his temporary move permanent, nor was it a surprise that Chelsea rebuffed their attempts to keep Courtois in Madrid. As the Belgian’s loan deal came to an end, though, Atletico landed their long-term replacement in Jan Oblak, with the youngster arriving from Benfica for just €16m. That fee, which looks increasingly a bargain, is still the biggest paid for a goalkeeper in La Liga history – it’s peanuts in today’s inflated market.

The Slovenian took his time to establish himself as the club’s number one, with fellow arrival Moya initially installed as Atletico’s first choice shotstopper, but since coming into the side, Oblak has gone from strength to strength, season after season.

Indeed, the 24-year-old goalkeeper has kept 50 clean sheets during his time in La Liga. In the same run, he has conceded just 49 league goals, a fine return to say the least. While the Atletico Madrid backline deserves the plaudits also, Oblak is as fine a last line of defence as they come. Only Marc-Andre ter Stegen (85.7%) has a better save success rate than the Atletico goalkeeper (83.3%) in La Liga this term, reinforcing his fine shot-stopping qualities. The goalkeeper also puts his 6’3’ frame to commanding use having successfully claimed the third most crosses (61) since the start of the 2014/15 La Liga campaign.

Given the longevity of goalkeeper careers, there’s no doubt that Oblak has the means to continue at the peak of the game for years to come. Despite his tender years, there are those who consider the Atletico man to be one of the best in his position in the game already. The stand out candidates are Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer, but who is to say Oblak doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the pair?

Atletico’s defence is as resolute as any in part due to Oblak’s influence as much as the structure implemented by Simeone and the players deployed in front of the goalkeeper. England bore witness to his consistency last October when they travelled to Slovenia, where the hosts ground out a 0-0 draw. The Three Lions have failed to win only two of their eight group games in qualifying and it wouldn’t be too big a shock for them to drop points at Wembley tonight.

Oblak may be an inexperienced performer on the international stage, but much of that was due to Samir Handanovic’s installment as Slovenia’s number one. After the Inter goalkeeper announced his international retirement at the end of 2015, Oblak was the obvious successor. Since Handanovic called it a day for Slovenia, Oblak as kept six clean sheets in his last 10 international appearances, including the aforementioned 0-0 draw with England, which is as good a record as any for an international goalkeeper.

Historically speaking, England should win tonight. On paper, their squad is far superior and they’ve won four of the last five meetings between the two sides. However, in Oblak, Slovenia have a goalkeeper better than any at Gareth Southgate’s disposal. This evening is another opportunity to prove to the watching world how effective a goalkeeper he truly is and a great chance to reaffirm his position as one of the best in the world between the sticks.

Atletico fans and La Liga aficionados will testify to his qualities and while he is making waves in England, some perhaps haven’t been won over by Oblak’s goalkeeping ability. Slovenia may not be the footballing force they once were, but proved in the reverse fixture they can hold their own and with Oblak in goal, England need to heed warnings they could be in for a testing night at Wembley or be left to rue any possible complacency in their bid to guarantee top spot in group F.

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