Real Madrid’s key decision that improved Courtois

Thibaut Courtois continues to vindicate those at Real Madrid who, towards the end of last season, believed there was no need to sign a top-level goalkeeper for this campaign. The match against Liverpool confirmed that the Belgian, after a season marked by uncertainty, is back to his best and remains capable of guarding the Real Madrid goal for several more years.

It is hardly good news for Real Madrid when their best player in a defeat is the goalkeeper. Yet Courtois’ performance, befitting a player many consider the best in the world, once again underlined his extraordinary consistency and the level of excellence that has kept him among the elite for so long.

He is now reaping the rewards of his summer work and has put behind him the doubts that, at times, left him feeling unlike himself and less confident in his play. He admitted as much recently when recalling the Copa del Rey final and Ferran’s equaliser.

Although his contract extension until June 2027 has yet to be officially announced, Courtois knows he has the club’s full backing—both through that agreement and through their decision not to rush into signing Joan García, then an Espanyol goalkeeper still looking for a team.

Real Madrid saw no need to strengthen the position, choosing instead to rely on Courtois and Lunin. The latter accepts his supporting role, as reflected in the fact he has not featured once since Xabi Alonso took charge.

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At Valdebebas, there is also confidence in Fran González, the Under-21 international who has already made his first-team debut under Carlo Ancelotti. His selection to play regularly for Castilla rather than sit on the bench as Real Madrid’s third-choice goalkeeper is seen as an important step in his development.

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