Chelsea stars great displays starts internet craze

Chelsea’s unused star Thibaut Courtois is at the centre of a new internet craze, called Thibauting.

The term, pronounced ‘Tee-bow-ing’, was originally a craze about NFL quarter-back Tim Tebow, where fans would post their pictures of themselves copying the Denver Bronco’s famous diving touch-downs outside of the football field.

“I saw it a few months ago already, but nothing came out of it back then,” Courtois said.

“Since a few days ago, quite some people picked it up. It was in the Spanish newspapers as well for example.”

He continued: “Now since it’s on the Internet, there’s a lot of reaction on Twitter. It’s nice to live through this.

“It’s funny how people are imitating my funny faces. The main example picture is one from my first Atlético game where I completely stretch my arms into the air. But I also see some saves from my period at Genk. There’s one where I grab a ball with a really funny face!”

View or add your own to the official Thiabauting website at thibauting.tumblr.com

The 20 year-old goalkeeper is currently in his second season on loan at Athletico Madrid, having signed for Chelsea from Genk and sent to Spain to gain first-team experience, and has been receiving rave reviews and attention for his spectacular goalkeeping ability.

The Belgian has won the Belgian Pro-League with Genk, the Europa League and the European Super Cup with Athletico, all whilst being the first-choice goalkeeper, and is expected to win many more trophies.

The on-loan keeper has kept 10 consecutive home clean-sheets and counting, and has recently become a top priority target for Barcelona who see him as the ideal long-term replacement for Victor Valdes, but Chelsea refuse to put any thought into a possible sale.

Chelsea rate the Belgian extremely highly and are considering keeping him at Stamford Bridge next season to fight it out with current Blues no. 1, Petr Cech. Cech has been an outstanding stalwart in the Chelsea goal and will take some moving. Courtois however is tipped to be the man to oust him.

The West-Londoner’s have been favouring the younger players of late, and may decide to give Courtois his chance to shine at the club, in fear the Belgian could become disillusioned in waiting for his time. No offence to Cech, but I would like to see the Belgian at the Bridge.