The centenary for Thibaut Courtois
Champion of the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey, Zamora of the League, Golden Boy finalist for best player under 21 years...these are just some of the accomplishments achieved by Courtois since joining Atletico Madrid in summer 2011. In the Super Cup against Barcelona he played his 100th game with Atletico.
The August 25, 2011, Thibaut Courtois defended the Atletico Shirt for the first time in a Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes and a few days later for the first time he stepped out on to the turf at the Vicente Calderon in the match that opened the 2011/2012 season against Osasuna. Almost two years later, against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Supercopa of Spain, the tall Belgian goalkeeper completed 100 games wearing the red and white shirt.
Since that debut in the Afonso Henriques Stadium in Guimaraes, Courtois’ evolution has led him to become one of the best goalkeepers on the international scene. With the invaluable help of his defense, the goalkeeper has laid the foundation for the strength demonstrated by the team that led us to win three titles (UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey) in the last two years, three finals he has started and three trophies he has won.
Besides collective awards, the goalkeeper born in the Belgian town of Bree, has been collecting individual awards thanks to its excellent performances. He beat Raisin’s record in the League andwent on to claim the Zamora Trophy after conceding 29 goals in 37 games (0.78 per game), which led him to be recognized by UEFA.com as the best goalkeeper in the top flight of Spanish football . Internationally, was one of three finalists for the Golden Boy award, which recognizes the best player under 21.
The sixth Zamora in the club's history, has also managed to beat the records of the best goalkeepers who have gone through the club. The keeper passed Abel Resino last season as a goalkeeper who had gone unbeaten both at home and away by not conceding a goal in 820 minutes at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and 680 minutes away from home. He also managed to stay unbeaten 20 times in the league championship. More than anyone in the history of Atletico.
This season, Courtois wants more challenges. To continue to grow as a goalkeeper and winning for the fans who he loves.
