The current 'Rojiblancos' custodian was modest when asked about his predecessor after the derby. "I don't think people are going to forget Courtois because he was an amazing keeper. I'm Miguel Ángel Moyá and I'm trying to do my job and help the team".

Nevertheless, the Spaniard shouldn't baulk at the comparisons. In this instance, they have a solid foundation in stats, and where derbies are concerned, Moyá's record is better than that of the man he replaced.

In three games against 'Los Blancos' so far, the 30-year-old has conceded just twice - including once from the penalty spot. This ratio of 0.66 goals conceded per game is a substantial improvement on the average of two goals a match that Courtois let in during his nine meetings against Atlético's arch-rivals.

Moyá's impressive form hasn't been limited to derbies. He has started each of the club's three league fixtures to date and has picked the ball out of the back of his net twice, for an identical 'goals against' ratio of 0.66 a game.

This record also bears comparison to Courtois's exploits. The Belgian garnered the Zamora Trophy last season after conceding 24 times in 37 league appearances, an average of 0.64 goals a match.

The campaign before that, in which Courtois also claimed the award for the best goalkeeping record in La Liga, the now-Chelsea man was beaten at a rate of 0.78 goals a game (29 goals in 37 appearances). Moyá has a long road ahead of him yet, but he is certainly on the right track.