Jan Oblak is set to make history with Atlético Madrid on Tuesday against Bayern Munich, when the goalkeeper is expected to reach 553 appearances for the club and draw level with Adelardo as its second-most-used player. Koke passed Adelardo’s total in 2022, 46 years after the former captain’s final appearance for Atlético.
Oblak has been influential in Atlético’s recent results. His saves have earned points in La Liga and helped the team beat Manchester United 2-1 and draw 1-1 away to Stuttgart in the Champions League. The club’s coaching staff believe he has been performing at a level reminiscent of his best seasons.
The Slovenian holds the record for the most clean sheets among goalkeepers in Europe’s five major leagues, with 191. Among players with at least 100 league appearances since the 2014-15 season, his save percentage of 75.25% is the highest; this season, it stands at 78%. He has also won six Zamora trophies, awarded to La Liga’s goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded.
Goalkeeping coach Pablo Vercellone has worked with Oblak since he joined Atlético in 2014. While the goalkeeper was first known for his reflexes and shot-stopping, he has improved his command of aerial balls and his distribution. Atlético coach Diego Simeone said Oblak continues to develop his ability with the ball at his feet, adding that his performances have been important.
Miguel Ángel Moyá, who competed with Oblak for the starting role after the Slovenian arrived from Benfica, recalled that an injury initially gave him the advantage. Moyá said Oblak showed his quality once he was able to train more freely, and later took his opportunity when Moyá was injured in March 2015.
Sources: El País Deportes.