‘I am certain that I belong among the best’: Thibaut Courtois claims he is among the elite goalkeepers in the world as he shrugs off criticism of his Real Madrid form
- Thibaut Courtois faced critics early in the season for his Real Madrid form
- He was under scrutiny after being subbed in a Champions League game
- But recent clean sheet runs for Real Madrid and Belgium have seen improvement
- Keeper has five shut-outs for Real Madrid and seven for the national side
Thibaut Courtois has hit back at critics over his Real Madrid form, claiming he remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
The Belgium international has seen his performances for Madrid this season come under scrutiny, most notably against Club Brugge in the Champions League when he was substituted at half-time after conceding twice at the Bernabeu.
But the former Chelsea star insists his club form is of no concern and that his surprise substitution was down to suffering hill health during the European tie.
Thibaut Courtois has seen his form for Real Madrid come under criticism this season
The goalkeeper was replaced at half-time during a Champions League clash with Club Brugge
‘They were two bizarre goals and then I had to go off because I was sick,’ he told reporters.
‘With my talent and my form, I am certain that I belong among the best. That is precisely why I have been criticised.
‘To criticise someone for letting in a goal is very easy, but I’ve remained calm and done my work at training.
The Belgian though has kept five consecutive clean sheets for Madrid in recent outings
‘I’ve never doubted my ability. To lose my self-confidence would be the biggest mistake I could make. You go downhill from there.
‘I have only conceded seven goals in La Liga so there is nothing wrong with my form.’
Courtois’ words are backed up by recent good performances at Madrid heading into the international break.
The goalkeeper is with the Belgium national team preparing for Euro 2020 qualifiers
His seven straight clean sheets helped Belgium secure qualification for next summer’s finals
He has kept five consecutive clean sheets spanning across 533 minutes, breaking a club record previously held by Keylor Navas.
His form also stretches to international level, having kept seven consecutive shut-outs for Belgium who will wrap up a successful qualification campaign for Euro 2020 this week.
The Red Devils were the first team to reach next summer’s European Championship and head into their final two games against Russia and Cyprus looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the qualifying group.
