Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Courtois makes bold claim: ‘I’m better than Casillas, Oblak, Neuer, Buffon’
Thibaut Courtois has been a loyal servant for Real Madrid ever since he joined the club in 2018.
During his time at the club, he has racked up over 350 competitive appearances for Los Blancos, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Even at the age of 34, many see Courtois as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now. But it appears the player rates himself higher than that.
Courtois’ bold claim
During an interaction with Ultimate XI (h/t Defensa Central), Courtois was asked about the goalkeeping position for an all-time XI.
Although the Belgian initially hesitated, he went on to acclaim himself as someone who is better than some of the goalkeeping legends of the past, including Manuel Neuer, Gianluigi Buffon and even Iker Casillas.
“I’m better than Iker Casillas, Oblak, Neuer, and Buffon. They’re all great goalkeepers, but I believe in myself,” he said.
It is hard to argue against Courtois’ assessment. Barring Neuer, Courtois has certainly enjoyed the longest peak, as the Belgian has been in the conversation for the best goalkeeper in Europe ever since his breakthrough at Atletico Madrid.
An integral part of Real Madrid
Courtois plays an invaluable role for Real Madrid, in particular, having played a key role in the club’s success, notably winning two Champions League titles.
Even in the current season, the Belgian notably made seven saves in the Champions League game against Inter Milan while in La Liga, he has made 21 saves in seven matches, six of which came from inside the penalty area.
Real Madrid are more than aware of Courtois’ importance to the team as well and are keen on handing him a contract extension. His current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season.
Real Madrid are expected to hand him a new contract that will seal his future at the Bernabeu for another year.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
