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Courtois talks tactics
- Updated: December 2, 2016
He’s kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper this season and is looking for a fourth league title at the age of 24. Thibaut Courtois is on form. Adam Bate caught up with him to find out the keys to his success and get the lowdown on Antonio Conte’s impact at Chelsea…
There’s a ball-juggling drill going on at Cobham and the laughter among the Chelsea players carries in the air. Thibaut Courtois isn’t the most vocal; that would be David Luiz. But he’s holding his own alongside Eden Hazard – blasting volleys into the net from 18 yards out.
As a young boy, Courtois was a left-back and he’s visibly enjoying himself. It’s a role he gets to play more than many realise. During one suspension last term, he spent a fortnight as an outfield player. Three goalkeepers means opportunities to be the free man in training.
It brings practical benefits too. “I’ve played a lot with the team and my passing is now much better,” Courtois tells Sky Sports. “I’m more confident and I’m trying to play. It helps as they play fast so you have to adapt to their rhythm. Then you get better with your feet as well.”
Saturday’s trip to Manchester City, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am, will pit the Chelsea man against Claudio Bravo, the player signed by Pep Guardiola for his abilities with the ball at his feet. But it’s Courtois who has been the most impressive goalkeeper this season, the No 1 for the Premier League leaders.
As Bravo seeks to make the transition from La Liga to Premier League and Liverpool’s Loris Karius is spotted being buffeted by coaches armed with rugby tackling pads on the training ground in order to aid his adjustment, how did Courtois make the move look so seamless?
“When I came to England everyone told me that I’d get the hits so I was prepared for that,” he explains. “It’s one of my stronger points claiming high balls. I’m tall so that helps me. If you’re a smaller goalkeeper, crosses in England are even harder.
“I decided to come out for the ball immediately. I think that was because of my time in Belgium. It’s not the same level there as the Premier League but they play really physical as well. So when I was there I was used to getting the knocks. It helped me adapt.”
He has now conceded only one goal in his last seven Premier League games for Chelsea. All have been won, and won by playing some stunning football as Antonio Conte’s new 3-4-3 system has helped the players shrug off last season’s struggles. Courtois is on top again.
Speaking in one of the dugouts at Cobham fresh from a session in Nike Football training apparel, he fronts up when discussing the “rubbish year” that was 2015/16. “Being with Chelsea and finishing 10th,” he says before tailing off, as if still baffled by events.
There was his opening-day red card against Swansea and the knee surgery from which he returned much earlier than expected in a bid to help a team that had lost its way. It was a challenge. “In every game I had to make a lot of …
