Real Madrid News
‘Best in the world’ – Real Madrid icon weighs in on goalkeeping debate for UCL final
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez was one of the club’s most storied goalkeepers in the recent past, enjoying a brief but successful stint at the Bernabeu.
Now retired, Lopez, in a recent interview (h/t Diario AS), has offered his thoughts on the current debate surrounding Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin ahead of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
“There is a lot of talk about it and it is logical, but we must give normality to the situation,” said Lopez when asked about the goalkeeping debate.
Courtois or Lunin?
Lopez was unequivocal in his praise for Courtois. “For me, Courtois is the best in the world,” he said. “You just have to look at what he has shown over the last few years. He is the best and there is no doubt about that.”
Lopez’s praise of Courtois hints that he would like the Belgian to start for Real Madrid when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the UCL final on June 1.
The Spaniard even claimed that Courtois will eventually reclaim his former self after spending almost the entirety of the season on the sidelines.
“When he was injured he was in impressive form and was decisive for his team. It is a luxury to be able to enjoy a goalkeeper like that. He will go back to being the same as before,” he said.
However, Diego Lopez also recognised the impact made by Andriy Lunin and just how well the Ukrainian has been able to fill in the shoes of Courtois. “Lunin has had a great season,” he admitted.
Diego Lopez trusts Ancelotti to make the right decision
However, he emphasized the trust he has in Carlo Ancelotti’s decision-making process. “Ancelotti has the most information about both of them and he will make the most appropriate decision thinking about the good of the team,” he said.
Extending his praise on Ancelotti’s experience and decision-making skills, Lopez added, “Whoever doesn’t play will be more hurt, but he will understand that it is a studied and thoughtful decision, not a capricious one.
“Ancelotti is number one in that. He is a great person, very close to the players, whom he cares for, understands and knows how to connect with. He sure manages it perfectly.”
It must be noted that Diego Lopez played under the leadership of Ancelotti during the 2013/14 campaign when he notably featured in 36 league matches by moving ahead of legacy star Iker Casillas in the pecking order.
A decade later, Lopez now recalls a similar theme playing out for the Real Madrid hierarchy as they make an important decision between Courtois and Lunin.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
