Jan Oblak has Atlético on tenterhooks. Throughout his time at Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone has been known for having absolutely elite forwards, but if we look at the goalkeeping, practically the same thing happens.
Thibaut Courtois was the first, the Belgian completed two dream seasons, only to throw all his work away with those unfortunate statements. After the current Real Madrid goalkeeper came Miguel Ángel Moyá, who had a spectacular half-season until his injury. And after that, Jan Oblak ruled with an iron fist for a decade.
Jan Oblak, world-class performance
He went from less to more, but when he found his best level, he remained one of the best in the world for several seasons. In this way he would achieve the achievement of five Zamoras, reaching four consecutive times from 2015 to 2019. Only Antoni Ramallets and Víctor Valdés have managed to equal the Slovenian as the goalkeeper with the highest number of Zamora trophies.
After more than a decade at the service of Atlético Madrid, those 16 million euros paid at the time seem like a gift. Anyone would say that it was a risky move, breaking the record as the most expensive goalkeeper at that time.
Jan Oblak: Did he have a slump last season?
This is the mantra that hovers over part of Atlético's fans. "Last year, Jan Oblak already showed signs that he is old: Atlético should sell him before they do not make a profit on him." However, to what extent is this true?
To do this, we have delved into the advanced statistics and we have seen that last season he was the eighth with the fewest Expected Goals Against (1.13 per game ). A figure very close to that of one of the sensations of the tournament and who has been mentioned as his possible replacement: Giorgio Mamardashvili (1.12), according to FBREF.
It is true that we are accustomed to the excellence of the Slovenian goalkeeper, however the drop is considerable compared to other years and knowing the objectives of Atlético de Madrid:
- Season 22/23: 0.73 xGC/match
- Season 21/22: 1.13 xGC/match
- Season 20/21: 0.66 xGC/match
- Season 19/20: 0.72 xGC/match
- Season 18/19: 0.73 xGC/match
As we can see in the previous five seasons, the levels are top 1-2 best in LALIGA , which leads to being one of the best in the world. Therefore, perhaps a more important example of their theoretical drop in form is needed. Also, as we all know, the defense and the clean sheet depend on the whole team, not the 1.
Jan Oblak's salary: the big obstacle
A separate issue is the emoluments that the red-and-white goalkeeper receives per year. At a time when all members of the club have agreed to a reduction, the Slovenian does not want to even talk about salary reductions. It is important to mention that Jan Oblak has a contract until 2028 , that is, for three more seasons.
He earns 10 million euros net per year, well above the second on the list: Antoine Griezmann, who earns 6 million net. Miha Mlakar, the Slovenian's agent, has already informed Atlético de Madrid that they will not negotiate a downwards salary for his client, according to journalist Rubén Uría. In this sense, it is more understandable that the club could look for a way out for him, if a suitable offer arrives.
Headline in La Cerámica
Despite these rumours that are circulating around the red-and-whites and the injury that kept him out of the first training sessions after the post-Eurocup holidays, Jan Oblak will be a starter against Villarreal. He is a man who Cholo Simeone trusts completely and is one of the captains , so he will start LALIGA - as in the last ten editions - defending the Atlético goal.
Whatever happens, there is one thing that cannot be blamed on Jan Oblak . His professionalism and maturity when it comes to handling any type of situation is a plus in the dressing room. In addition, he is one of those who sings the 'mea culpa' when necessary and is very critical about it.