Atletico Madrid star Koke believes reported Newcastle transfer target Jan Oblak showed why he is the ‘best goalkeeper in the world’ against Manchester United, he told Movistar.
The Colchoneros eliminated the Red Devils from the Champions League in the last 16 on Wednesday at Old Trafford. Renan Lodi struck the only goal of the night after 41-minutes, to hand Diego Simeone’s side a 2-1 aggregate lead Ralf Rangnick’s men could not overturn.
Manchester United had held Atleti to a 1-1 draw in Madrid during last month’s first-leg tie after Anthony Elanga’s equaliser. But they could not find a response at home, as the away side closed the spaces and Oblak stood firm between the sticks when called into action.
Oblak flew around his six-yard box to keep an 11th clean sheet after 39 appearances in all competitions this season. It was also only his second Champions League shut out this term and first since the Wanda Metropolitano outfit’s opening 0-0 group stage draw with Porto.
Former Real Madrid foe Raphael Varane forced a strong diving save from Oblak after 77-minutes when he connected with Alex Telles’ free-kick. But the Slovenian flew to stick out a hand and keep Atleti’s lead intact. Bruno Fernandes also often tested the 29-year-old.
Koke hails Newcastle target Oblak as best ‘in the world’ after Atletico UCL win
Oblak’s strong showing at Manchester United followed Goal reporting he would welcome a transfer to England, and that Newcastle could afford the Atletico Madrid ‘keeper. But the 44-cap stopper would only want to join a club he deems a Premier League title-challenger.
Eddie Howe may struggle to suggest the Magpies will be competing for top honours next season following a relegation battle. But the Toon would sign a goalie who his Colchoneros teammate – who was the official Man of the Match at Old Trafford – rates as the very best.
“Jan is the best goalkeeper in the world and today, he has shown it again,” Koke said, via quotes by Marca. “For me, he was the best in the match. It is a pride to have him [at the club] and I hope he will be with us for many years.”
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