Chelsea star Courtois is BETTER than Man United’s De Gea, former Blue tells talkSPORT

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Thibaut Courtois’ quick conversion to the rigours of the Premier League proves the Blues star is better than Manchester United’s David de Gea.

The Belgian shot-stopper has impressed during his first season in the English top-flight, having spent three seasons on loan at La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Courtois, who signed for Chelsea in 2011, replaced Red Devils star De Gea at the Spanish side, following his move to Old Trafford, and helped the club to La Liga and Europa League glory.

And Schwarzer, who joined Leicester City from Chelsea at the start of the season, believes the former Genk man is streets ahead of the Spaniard.

“For me, it’s Thibaut Courtois,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, when asked who was the best of the pair. “He’s an exceptional young goalkeeper.

“Even in the short time he’s been playing in the Premier League, he’s shown how well he can adapt.

“Coming from La Liga to the Premier League is a huge step and you saw with David de Gea how difficult he found it in his first season. Courtois has taken it in his stride though.

“He’s performed extremely well. He’s come in and replaced Petr Cech, who’s been phenomenal at the club, is a legend and has won everything.

“Every opportunity [Cech] has had to play in a game he’s performed extremely well, so the pressure is always there. But Courtois has always come back in and performed at the level he’s needed to.”