Jan Oblak is part of the furniture on the Madrid side. Arriving in 2014 to replace Thibaut Courtois in the Vicente Calderón cages, he quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, a status he still has today at the age of 33. A true legend of Atlético de Madrid, the Slovenian will however miss this round of 16 second leg of the Champions League against Tottenham, just as he already missed the Madrid derby against Getafe this weekend, due to a small physical problem.
But is there panic in the Spanish capital? Clearly not, since it is Juan Musso who will take over the interim while Jan Oblak recovers from his problems. Arriving in Madrid in the summer of 2024 on loan from Atalanta before being bought permanently last summer, the 31-year-old Argentine goalkeeper is clearly one of the best replacement goalkeepers on the planet and there is no doubt that he would start in a lot of very good European clubs.
The best second goalkeeper in the world?
Author of a great performance this weekend, Musso actually displays exceptional statistics as indicated Marca. Out of 17 matches played with the Colchoneros, he managed not to concede a goal on 11 occasions. 11 clean sheets therefore; better statistics than Jan Oblak in his debut, who posted nine matches without conceding in the same number of first matches. “He’s a magnificent second goalkeeper for Atlético. By playing regularly, at Atlético or in another La Liga club, he would be among the best goalkeepers in the first division.explained Santi Cañizares, former great goalkeeper and now consultant in Spain.
His statistics are better than those of Jan Oblak, with an average of 0.78 goals conceded per match, compared to 1.16 for number 1. He makes more saves per shot on target than the Slovenian (83.78% compared to 66.43%), and displays an average of 5.17 saves per goal conceded, compared to 1.98 for Oblak. From there to imagining him taking the starting place, there is still a world of difference, but Musso confirms match after match that he is a very credible alternative. To the point where he is already guaranteed to start in the final of the Copa del Rey, a competition during which he was decisive in reaching this final against Real Sociedad. Diego Simeone is absolutely delighted with his performances, his daily work and his attitude, and Musso seems to accept his status as a substitute for the moment. Facing Tottenham this Tuesday in C1, he will still have a great opportunity to prove his worth…
