Jan Oblak’s triple save raises the stakes for Chelsea’s pursuit of the Atletico keeper (Video)

Jan Oblak caught everyone’s attention with a triple save against Bayer Leverkeusen in the Champions League. Chelsea may have more competition for his signature after this display of skill.

The goalkeeper transfer triangle between Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid perked up a bit this week. Asmir Begovic took the bench in the FA Cup, further cementing his need for a transfer. Thibaut Courtois reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea, dismissing any interest in a move to Real Madrid.

Whether Chelsea move either or both of their goalkeepers, they will need to buy at least one replacement. Jan Oblak made a strong statement as Atletico advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals.

Atletico Madrid had a comfortable 4-2 lead going into the second leg of their round of 16 tie with Bayer Leverkeusen. Atletico’s strikers missed several opportunities to extend their advantage, but the aggregate was never in doubt. Jan Oblak made four saves on the night. Three came in barely five seconds of each other in the 68′.

If there is a such thing as a “textbook triple save,” Oblak did just that. He charged out aggressively to meet Leverkeusen’s break from a strong position 12 yards out. Seeing his defenders converging on Leverkeusen’s shooter, he knew he needed only to stand firm and take away any shooting angle.

He blocked the first shot at point-blank range, but gave up a juicy rebound. He lunged to his left and made his body big to block the second shot. The rebound again fell to Leverkeusen, and Oblak again used his entire frame to get in front of the third shot.

Oblak showed pure goalkeeper reflexes, both in his lateral movements and by making his body large in front of the shot. What may initially look like flailing is – after several watchings – years of training made instinct.

Jan Oblak’s statistics (via Squawka) over the 2016/17 season are comparable to Thibaut Courtois, and stronger than Asmir Begovic’s 2015/16 season. Oblak needs to improve his pass distribution if he is to play under Antonio Conte.

Oblak tends to boot the ball upfield, making longer and less accurate passes than Courtois. He will have to become more comfortable with the ball at his feet to start Chelsea’s play out from the back. This entails becoming more comfortable making shorter and more purposeful passes to his defenders.

At 24 years old with three years in La Liga, Oblak may be better suited for a season or two behind Thibaut Courtois. Chelsea’s expanded fixture schedule next year will provide more opportunities for him to play. He is still several years away from entering his prime years as a keeper. Conte may prefer having a more experienced and mature goalkeeper to lead Chelsea through the Premier League and Champions League.

However, Oblak has shown that he can handle the pressure and quality of playing at one of Europe’s top clubs. Chelsea could very well sell both Courtois and Begovic this summer. That could pave the way for Jan Oblak to start with 17-year old Marcin Bulka at backup. That would be bold bordering on needlessly risky, but it would not be unprecedented. Bulka has the potential to be a combination of John Terry and Petr Cech: a one-club man who becomes a legend between the posts.

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Chelsea’s other main goalkeeper target, Celtic’s Craig Gordon, signed a contract extension recently. That raises Oblak’s value to the Blues, which means Atletico will raise their asking price. After yesterday’s demonstration, he may cost even more as other teams bid for him. Selling Thibaut Courtois may be necessary just to afford his long-term replacement.