David Raya has reignited the debate over Chelsea’s goalkeeping shift, appearing to suggest that the most ‘reliable’ goalkeeper in the world was sold to Real Madrid eight years ago.
Thibaut Courtois time at Chelsea saw him displace the legendary Petr Cech as the club’s undisputed number one. After a three-year loan at Atletico Madrid, Courtois returned to Stamford Bridge in 2014, immediately securing the Premier League and League Cup double.
Over four seasons, Courtois made 154 appearances, recording 58 clean sheets and playing a pivotal role in the 2016/17 title win under Antonio Conte, where he earned the Premier League Golden Glove.
However, his exit in August 2018 left a bitter taste for many; after failing to report for pre-season training to force a move to Real Madrid, he departed in a cut-price £35 million deal.
And it looks as if he’s still not lost his touch, as David Raya rates him very highly.
Over to you, Chelsea fans 👀
Chelsea's centre-back decision for Everton
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David Raya says Thibaut Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world
David Raya has established himself as arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season amid Arsenal’s title challenge.
However, he believes that former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is actually the best in the world right now, according to Sky Sports.
‘Who is the best goalkeeper in the world right now?’
“I’m between two, but I’d say Courtois.
“Just the things he does for Madrid at times, he always shows up, the other day against City, he’s so reliable.”
Do you think Chelsea should sack Liam Rosenior? Or are you willing to give him more time?🤔
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
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Chelsea’s goalkepeer situation feels even worse now
Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has gone from a mere concern to a genuine liability, leaving fans longing for the reliable days of Thibaut Courtois.
The decision by Liam Rosenior to rotate between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen has only bred uncertainty, culminating in Jorgensen’s nightmare performance against Paris Saint-Germain, where a calamitous, misplaced pass effectively ended Chelsea’s European hopes.
Statistically, Sanchez remains one of the league’s most error-prone keepers, having committed five errors leading to goals this season, while Jorgensen’s confidence appears shattered.
While the 6’7″ Mike Penders is viewed as the next Courtois, he remains a 20-year-old prospect on loan at Strasbourg, leaving Chelsea with a gaping hole in a position that used to be their greatest strength.
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