Real Madrid News
Legendary goalkeeper crowns Real Madrid veteran as the ‘best in the world’
Former Belgium and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff has spoken highly of Thibaut Courtois, describing the Real Madrid star as the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
Pfaff, who is widely regarded as one of Belgium’s greatest goalkeepers, recently shared his thoughts while reflecting on Courtois’ performances and Real Madrid’s current strength as a team.
He highlighted the long tradition of elite goalkeepers at the Spanish club and reminded that Real Madrid had another iconic figure in goal not too long ago.
“Thibaut Courtois is a great goalkeeper, but in the past, Real Madrid had Iker Casillas.
“It’s impossible to forget what he did at the 2010 World Cup with Spain, not to mention his long history with Real Madrid in the Champions League and domestic competitions.”
Best in modern football
Pfaff used that comparison to emphasise the level required to succeed at a club like Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have always demanded excellence from their goalkeepers, and Courtois has managed to maintain that standard in recent years.
Pfaff believes Courtois deserves recognition as the best goalkeeper in modern football.
“Real Madrid has many great players, and the team is truly very good. They have a fantastic goalkeeper in Courtois, who is currently the best in the world.
“But throughout history, there have also been great goalkeepers in different eras, such as in the 1970s, the late 1990s, and the early 2000s.”
Praise after Man City win
The Belgian legend also spoke about Real Madrid’s impressive performance against Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid produced a dominant display in that match, securing a convincing 3-0 victory that surprised many observers across Europe.
“When I watched the match on TV, I said to myself, ‘Is this really Manchester City?’”
Finally, Pfaff praised the mentality shown by Real Madrid during the match. According to the former goalkeeper, the Spanish side demonstrated a level of confidence and personality that allowed them to dominate one of Europe’s strongest teams.
“At times, I saw a different Real Madrid, a team with a very strong personality in the match,” he concluded.
Source: AS
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.
