⚽ Spanish Shot-Stopper vs Belgian Wall - Premier League's Best
David de Gea conceded 29 goals with a goals against average of 0.83 per 90 minutes. He faced 103 shots on target and made 74 saves. Thibaut Courtois conceded 28 goals with a superior goals against average of 0.78 per 90 minutes. He faced 99 shots on target and made 71 saves. Courtois edges out De Gea in this crucial goalkeeper metric with better goals against average.
De Gea had a save percentage of 75.7%, making crucial stops throughout the season. Courtois recorded a 73.7% save percentage, slightly lower but still excellent. While De Gea's save percentage was marginally better, both goalkeepers demonstrated world-class shot-stopping ability. The difference is minimal, showing both were at the peak of their powers.
De Gea helped Manchester United achieve 16 wins and 14 clean sheets (40.0% clean sheet ratio). Courtois was instrumental in Chelsea's title-winning campaign with 29 wins and 16 clean sheets (44.4% clean sheet ratio). Courtois's contribution to Chelsea's championship success significantly outweighs De Gea's individual brilliance in a less successful United team.
De Gea played 3,150 minutes across 35 matches, maintaining consistency throughout the season. Courtois played 3,240 minutes in 36 matches, slightly more game time. Both goalkeepers were reliable and available, with Courtois having marginally more playing time, demonstrating his importance to Chelsea's title charge.
De Gea received 2 yellow cards during the season, showing occasional moments of frustration. Courtois had just 1 yellow card, demonstrating superior discipline and composure. Both goalkeepers avoided red cards, but Courtois's cleaner disciplinary record reflects his mental strength and professionalism during a title-winning campaign.
Manchester United scored 54 goals while conceding 29, showing a defensive approach under José Mourinho. Chelsea scored 83 goals while conceding 28, demonstrating a more balanced and successful team performance. Courtois benefited from a stronger defensive unit and more clinical attack, but his individual contribution to Chelsea's title triumph cannot be understated.
In terms of key goalkeeper metrics, Courtois outperformed De Gea in goals against average (0.78 vs 0.83), clean sheet percentage (44.4% vs 40.0%), and crucially, team success (29 wins vs 16 wins). While De Gea had a marginally better save percentage, Courtois's overall impact on Chelsea's championship-winning season makes him the superior performer in this head-to-head comparison.
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