Atlético de Madrid’s Brazilian defender Felipe Monteiro praised his teammate, Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who, he explained, creates a lot of security for defenders because he is “incredible” and whom he defined as “the best goalkeeper in the world”.
“With Oblak we feel safe because we know that Atleti is a team that defends very well, and when something happens, we look back and see a goalkeeper who is amazing. For us, for me and for many people, he is the best goalkeeper in the world. That gives security “, said Felipe in statements offered by the club.
Atlético, leaders of LaLiga Santander with 10 points of advantage over their rivals, is also the team with the fewest goals in the championship, since they have only conceded 10 goals in 19 games.
This figure makes him the leader with the fewest goals in the five major European leagues, ahead of English Manchester City (13 goals against in 21 games), French Lille (15 in 23), Italian Milan (23 in 20) and German Bayern Munich (26 in 19).
Felipe has been at Atlético for a year and a half now, arriving in May 2019 from Porto and with the difficult task of supplying the departure of Uruguayan defender Diego Godín, an emblem of the club.
“When I arrived from Porto a lot of people didn’t know me, I had to show the Felipe that I was. I think it was an incredible season, of the clubs I have reached it has been the best and the fans accepted me very well. I think that gave me confidence to arrive and work and do what I know best, “he explained.
“When I arrived, in the presentation I had that nervousness, as if it were the first time, because it is a very big club, which is a reference for many players. When you reach such a high level you have that nervousness, but you have to show on the field as well, “added the Brazilian.
In that first season, he was one of the most used signings by Argentine coach Diego Pablo Simeone, who made him participate in 36 of the 50 games played by the team that season. This season started with less prominence, but injuries and teammates’ absences have allowed him to play in 22 of the 27 games to date.
The Brazilian central defender confessed that as a child “he did not play soccer” and only from the age of 11 or 12 did he begin to get hooked on this sport. “I was looking at Brazilian players who were references for me, after I became a professional I looked at Thiago Silva a lot,” he explained.
Regarding his best memory as an Atletico, he pointed to his goal against Russian Lokomotiv Moscow in a 2-0 win at Wanda Metropolitano during the group stage of last season’s Champions League. “The goal against Lokomotiv at home, from a volley, I think it was a great memory,” he said.