With one week to go until La Liga kicks off, Atlético de Madrid are facing an unexpected situation. Jan Oblak, the mainstay in the Atlético goal, might not be available for the first game of the season. This has put the spotlight on Horatiu Moldovan, the Romanian goalkeeper who arrived at the club last winter.
Oblak in doubt, Moldovan on alert
Oblak has not participated in the pre-season due to physical problems that he has been carrying since the Euros. Although he has been the undisputed goalkeeper for Atlético, his recovery remains a mystery. Moldovan has taken advantage of this situation to prove his worth in friendly matches, keeping a clean sheet in the match against Juventus.
The former Rapid Bucharest player knows that this could be his moment to shine. Although he didn't get the chance to make his debut last season, he is now shaping up to be the possible starter if Oblak doesn't recover in time. The chance to make his La Liga debut against Villarreal would be a significant step forward in his career and could change his future at the club.
Cerezo and Simeone trust Moldovan
At Atlético de Madrid, both Enrique Cerezo and Diego Pablo Simeone are keeping an eye on Oblak's progress. However, they do not want to take any risks and know that Moldovan has shown solvency in the preseason. His performance will be key in the coming days to decide whether he will finally occupy the goal in the first match of LaLiga.
Moldovan has been patient, but has also considered his future due to the lack of opportunities. Teams such as Leganés and Rayo Vallecano have shown interest in his services this summer. However, the current situation could give him the prominence he has long awaited at Atlético.
A key challenge for Moldovan
The challenge facing Moldovan is no small one. Replacing a goalkeeper of Oblak's calibre is no easy feat. But if he can put in a good performance, he could establish himself as a key player in the team and secure his place in the squad. With the season about to start, the young Romanian goalkeeper knows that this is his big chance to prove that he can rise to the challenge.
The extent of Jan Oblak's injury is not known, but it seems clear that he will not be in the league opener. Moldovan is facing his best opportunity since joining Atlético de Madrid.