3 reasons why Thibaut Courtois will be successful at Real Madrid

Real Madrid Unveil New Signing Thibaut Courtois
Courtois and Florentino - unveiling

Los Blancos are one of the best teams in the world. Having won 33 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey, 13 UEFA Champions League titles, and 2 UEFA Cups, it is the dream of any player to join a club of such prestige and reputation.

Real Madrid were always on a lookout for a world-class goalkeeper after the departure of Casillas. Having the deal for De Gea in 2015-16 collapse due to paperwork not submitted before the transfer window in Spain closed, Real Madrid didn't want to repeat the embarrassing mistake again, and hence moved quickly to seal the transfer of Courtois.

With just one year left on his contract at Chelsea, he was sold to Real Madrid for an undisclosed amount. This was made possible due to the arrival of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa for a world record fee.

Real Madrid have now got a certified world-class goalkeeper in their ranks. It will certainly now make it extremely difficult for the opposition to score against Real Madrid due to their formidable defense now including Courtois.

Let us look at 3 reasons why Courtois will be successful for Real Madrid.


#3 Perfect Galactico material

Real Madrid Unveil New Signing Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is a ready made Galactico. Having kept 16 clean sheets last season, he was awarded the Premier League Golden Glove. Courtois also helped Chelsea win the 2014-15 League title on his return from Atletico Madrid.

Courtois was awarded the prestigious FIFA Golden Glove award for his outstanding performances for Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In 7 matches, he kept 3 clean sheets and had a save record of 81.8 percent.

Courtois also distributed 124 successful passes at the rate of 67 percent, and at an average of 26.4 passes per game. His performance against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the just concluded World Cup was outstanding, and it ultimately helped Belgium to a historic 2-1 victory over Brazil.

Before Keylor Navas, Real Madrid had a homegrown and talented Galactico goalkeeper in the form of Iker Casillas. After his departure to Porto, Madrid searched for a replacement. In Courtois they have found his replacement.

#2 Previous experience in Spain

Chelsea v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final
Played for Real Madrid's rivals in the past

Courtois already has the experience of playing in La Liga. Having been signed by Chelsea from Genk, he was immediately loaned to Atletico Madrid.

For three long seasons, he was one of the key players on Diego Simeone's team roster. In his first season, Atletico Madrid won the Europa League by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0, he had a decisive clean sheet in that match.

In the 2013-14 season, Courtois conceded just 24 goals, playing an instrumental part in Atletico Madrid's first La Liga victory since 1996.

Courtois will not take much time to settle and adapt to Spain. With his whole family in Madrid as well, Courtois can now focus on the game much better. He will prove to be a valuable signing for Real Madrid.

All stats via transfermarkt

#1 World class goalkeeper

Chelsea v Manchester United - The Emirates FA Cup Final
Courtois - world class

Courtois has evolved into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He is an exceptional communicator with defenders, he is an excellent shot-stopper, and brilliant in one on one situations due to his unique ability to spread himself as wide as possible.

He has been the backbone of Chelsea over the years, and hence would continue to do so at Real Madrid. His positioning and composure is second to none, and he has the habit of keeping clean sheets by making fabulous saves. Being a FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner, he could possibly help Real Madrid win the La Liga title in the upcoming season.

The real credit for developing Courtois into a world class goalkeeper should certainly go to Chelsea and Atletico Madrid for showing faith in his talent and moulding him into one of the best in the business.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.