• La Liga

Courtois: I am in world's top five

ESPN staff
October 14, 2013
Thibaut Courtois is on loan at Atletico from Chelsea © Getty Images
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Thibaut Courtois has rated himself among the world's top five goalkeepers, after helping seal Belgium's place at next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Courtois, who is on loan from Chelsea, made a key save from Mario Mandzukic in Friday's 2-1 qualifying win in Croatia, a result which ensured Marc Wilmots' star-studded side progressed straight to a first finals in 12 years.

"I am in my best moment of form right now," Courtois said. "I feel as if I am among the top five goalkeepers in the world."

Courtois, still just 21, said he has come on leaps and bounds during his two and a bit seasons at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

"I have grown a lot at Atleti, especially last season when we won the European Supercup and the Copa del Rey," he said. "I have made a lot of progress, above all in speed, reflexes and experience."

Courtois, linked recently with an unlikely move to Barcelona to replace Victor Valdes next summer, said he was not making any decision about his future just yet - but for him to the most important thing was to be playing regular first team football.

"I want to play," he said. "I do not want to be sitting on the bench. I feel very good at Atletico and being here allows me to play in the Champions League."

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