Why Chelsea should avoid signing this world-class stopper and stick with Courtois instead

Why Chelsea should avoid signing Alisson and stick with Courtois

Chelsea endured a frustrating and disappointing second campaign under Antonio Conte, which saw the club finish 5^th in the league. They were far from the side that dominated the league the previous time, as they failed to defend the trophy successfully.

The Blues did manage to win the FA Cup against Manchester United but despite lifting the domestic trophy, Conte’s future at the club is in doubt.

Club owner Roman Abramovich is not the kindest of men when it comes to underperforming managers. He is known for his ruthlessness in business and it remains to be seen as to whether Conte will continue or not.

Along with the manager, a number of Chelsea players’ futures are also in doubt. One such player whose future is nowhere near certainty is club goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian didn’t enjoy the best of seasons last time. Usually, Courtois is the kind of player who is not fazed or distracted by anything, but the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper’s performance took a toll last season.

There are reports stating that Chelsea are in pole position to sign Roma shot-stopper Alisson Becker, who rose to prominence in the last campaign. The Brazilian enjoyed a superb campaign with the Italians, leading to a number of clubs tracking him this summer.

But reports state that Chelsea are the closest to a deal after the Blues overtook Real Madrid in the race for his signature.

Do the Blues need a new goalkeeper right now? It seems as though Chelsea’s issues are not coming from their rearguard. It’s more or less in their midfield and attack.

Courtois has been in Chelsea since 2011 but was sent on loan to Atletico till 2014. The Belgian returned to the club after blossoming into one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers. He has been their first choice goalkeeper for almost 5 years now.

Courtois has made a total of 126 appearances for the club, keeping a total of 48 clean sheets in that time. He is a two-time Premier League champion with Chelsea and has been consistent throughout the years. The Belgian is was also the recipient of the Golden Glove award in the 2016/17 season.

Although Alisson Becker trumped the player with his performances last season, one bad season should not define Courtois’s career. He is a proven Premier League goalkeeper and any top side would love to have the Belgian in their squad.

At the age of 26, Courtois is far from done and there is enough time for the player to improve further. Despite the fact that Conte’s future at the club is uncertain, Chelsea must make it a point to hold on to Courtois.

Read more: Why Abramovich would do well to avoid appointing this German genius as Chelsea manager

Chelsea can’t afford to make mistakes after the last campaign, so it’s best they stick with their tried-and-tested No.1.