Chris Waddle lauded Jan Oblak on BBC Radio 5 Live after the reported Newcastle transfer target stood out between the sticks as Atletico Madrid won away to Manchester United.
The Colchoneros emerged 1-0 victors at Old Trafford on Tuesday night to progress through to the Champions League quarter-final. Ralf Rangnick’s men had held Diego Simeone’s side to a 1-1 draw in Spain last month, but could not find another late equaliser in the reverse.
Renan Lodi broke the deadlock in the last 16 second-leg on 41-minutes when the Brazilian arrived in the box unmarked. Manchester United enjoyed lots of chances to reply, but they could not break through Atleti’s defence. And even if they did, Oblak was there to step in.
Oblak produced a raft of saves to deny the likes of Bruno Fernandes, with his dive to deny Raphael Varane the pick of the bunch. The French centre-half had arguably the Red Devils’ best sight on goal to equalise after 77-minutes when he rose to meet Alex Telles’ free-kick.
Yet as well as Varane wriggled free from Atletico Madrid’s defence, Oblak matched him by flying down to claw the ball off the line. The Slovenia goalkeeper was also quick to react to Cristiano Ronaldo’s attempted overhead kick on the rebound, but he was offside anyway.
Chris Waddle lauds ‘very safe’ Newcastle target Jan Oblak in Atletico Madrid win
Newcastle will likely have taken note of Oblak’s performance as Atletico Madrid eliminated Manchester United from the Champions League. Goal reported earlier on Tuesday that the Toon could afford the 29-year-old, who would welcome a transfer to England this summer.
Oblak has just 15-months remaining on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, so could be available for a cut-price fee. But he would only entertain Premier League offers to join a club with a proven record and that he believes will be challenging for the title next season.
Eddie Howe convincing Oblak of a transfer would see Newcastle sign one of Europe’s best goalkeepers from Atletico Madrid. And one who former Magpies midfielder Waddle hailed for his performance at Old Trafford, following Oblak’s brilliant score to keep Varane out.
“Oblak has been very safe,” Waddle said. “That’s a great reaction save. Right hand, strong wrist. When he’s been called upon, he has dealt with it very well.”
Oblak also impressed Michael Dawson with his performance to help Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United in the Champions League. The former Tottenham Hotspur ace voiced his praise for the Slovenian stopper after his save on Varane on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special:
“It’s a fantastic ball, deep,” Dawson said. “Oblak makes a great save, a fantastic save. He’s made two or three top, top saves.”
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