"He is the best, without a doubt" - Former Real Madrid star Pedja Mijatovic claims current Los Blancos star is best ever in his position at the club

Former Real Madrid striker Pedja Mijatovic believes Thibaut Courtois is the club's best-ever goalkeeper. He acknowledged Iker Casillas but hailed the Belgian as the best.

Los Blancos have had some incredible goalkeepers over the years, like Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas. Many hail Casillas as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, not just in Real Madrid history, but in world football. However, Mijatovic believes Courtois has surpassed the Spaniard in the club's history.

The former Los Blancos striker told El Largeuro (h/t Tribal Football):

"Thibaut Courtois is the best goalkeeper Real Madrid has ever had. With all due respect to Iker Casillas, who was a great goalkeeper, what Courtois has been doing since he arrived... has shown that he is a great goalkeeper. Thibaut Courtois is the best, without a doubt."

Casillas came through the Spanish giants' academy and spent around 20 years at the club. He recorded 725 games across competitions, keeping 264 clean sheets. He captained the side as well and won five LaLiga titles and one UEFA Champions League, among numerous other honors.

Meanwhile, Courtois arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea in 2018. He has made 300 appearances for them, keeping 119 clean sheets. He's won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies at the club, among other honors.

Thibaut Courtois opens up on Real Madrid's upcoming El Clasico clash against Barcelona

Real Madrid will next face arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu in LaLiga on Sunday, October 26. They sit at the top of the league table after nine games, two points above the Blaugrana. Hence, a lot rides on this El Clásico despite it being this early in the season.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos beat Juventus 1-0 at home in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. After the game, Thibaut Courtois spoke about the upcoming El Clásico and said (h/t Football Espana):

“Both teams arrive well, so it is going to be a great match. After having lost several games against them last year, this year we can win to be able to open a gap. It’s going to be a great game. We expect a victory, always with respect for them.”

Real Madrid lost all four El Clásicos across competitions last season. They lost both fixtures in LaLiga, as Barcelona won the title by four points. They also lost against the Blaugrana in the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey finals.

About the author

Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 4 years. He boasts a total experience of over 7 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya's journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur's front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect's with the club's underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda 'Long-form Editor of the Month' award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric's elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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Edited by Aditya Singh