ROBERTO MARTINEZ has claimed Thibaut Courtois is the world’s BEST goalkeeper — despite his blundering first 18 months at Real Madrid.
The Belgium manager has backed the former Chelsea stopper with his team due to face Russia, Denmark and Finland in Group B at Euro 2020.
Courtois will be Belgium’s No1 next summerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Boss Martinez faces away days at Denmark and Russia in the groupsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Speaking after the draw, Martinez claimed: “Thibaut is for me the best goalkeeper in the world, as he showed at the World Cup.
“From there, he is the best person for me to defend Real Madrid’s goal.
“It has been a difficult period, but I think that the opportunity to return with the national team has helped him to regain the good feelings, in the same way that we hope that the successes he has at Real Madrid can help us in the Euros.”
Courtois’ successes at the Bernabeu have been limited in his first 18 months at the club after a £38million move from Chelsea.
Real went trophy-less last season and are in less-than convincing form in this year’s Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain scored two late goals in midweek to condemn Los Blancos to second place in Group A and end their three-game winning streak.
A late Dani Carvajal goal on Saturday saw Madrid reclaim top spot in La Liga, possibly temporarily, as they beat Alaves 2-1.
No matter how Real’s season pans out, Courtois should be No1 for Belgium at the Euros.
Former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet is likely to be first first reserve with Strasbourg’s Matz Sels and Anderlecht shot-stopper Hendrik van Combrugge competing for the third spot in the squad.
Thibault Courtois tells press Real Madrid ‘should have won’ after shock loss to Mallorca
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
