Falcao: Chelsea youngster is one of best in the world

Falcao

Colombia star Falcao has hailed former team-mate Thibaut Courtois as the best goalkeeper in the world after their 2-0 win over Belgium on Thursday evening.

The duo played together under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, and the Colombian striker believes that Courtois, on-loan from Chelsea, is a superior goalkeeper to current Blues No.1 Petr Cech.

“He’s a good friend and the best goalkeeper in the world,” Falcao told Het Nieuwsbladin the aftermath of the game, as he and Victor Ibarbo put goals past Simon Mignolet in goal, deputising for the rested Courtois.

Courtois himself has already warned Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that he will not return to the club to play second fiddle to Cech next season, with Atletico Madrid keen to keep the Belgian custodian.

“I want to play, I will not be sitting on the bench,” said the 21-year-old. ”At Atletico I feel great and being here allows me to play in the Champions League.

“I’ve grown a lot at Atletico, especially last season when we won the European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

“I’ve made great progress, especially in terms of speed, reflexes and experience. I am in my best form and I feel like I am among the five best goalkeepers in the world.”

Courtois has successfully kept five clean sheets so far in the current La Liga campaign, courtesy of an average of 2.63 saves per goal and 1.62 saves per game.