Another win in the bag for Real Madrid, but it’s now time to look ahead to El Derbi. Much of the starting XI can easily be predicted, but who will start in net for Real? We take a look at why Zindine Zidane has a tough decision to make.
Not every team has the fortune of having two top-class goalkeepers fighting for the first spot. Yes, yesterday was Alphonse Aerola’s debut game for Real Madrid, and Thibaut Courtois has been with the team longer. But if the departure of Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas has taught us anything, it’s that no goalie is safe at the Bernabeu.
After a great performance from the newcomer, Courtois may have to work for his spot. For the first time in what feels like forever, Real Madrid have kept clean sheets in back-to-back wins, adding six points to their name.
The first game was against Sevilla – a hard-fought 1-0 win with Karim Benzema scoring the lone goal. In net was Thibaut Courtois, who was awarded the clean sheet, but there is most certainly an asterisk beside that.
Courtois didn’t face a single shot in his game against Sevilla. The high press coupled with a stellar defence made it an easy night for the Belgian. The backline – along with Casemiro – all combined for 13 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 22 clearances.
In the previous match against Paris Saint-Germain, Courtois looked unsure of himself at times. He should have stopped the first goal, as he was beaten on the near post.
In comparison to Courtois’ game against Sevilla, there was plenty more for Alphonse Areola to do. Unlike Thibaut, Alphonse faced four shots and handled them all confidently.
He also showed his ability to handle one-vs-one situations in a calm fashion. Aerola’s ability to leave his area and claim the ball quickly both on the ground and in the air was reminiscent of Keylor Navas.
The former PSG man drew plenty of praise after his incredible one-handed catch, prompting fans on social media lost their minds. It was so good even The Real Champs dedicated an entire post to his incredible snag and the fan reaction stemming from it.
Statistics aside, there is a very different swagger about Areola in comparison to Courtois. From the moment he stepped on the pitch he oozed confidence, something you definitely want to see in your keeper. He wasn’t hesitant to come out of his box to claim the ball, and all his challenges were clean. Finally, his passing game with the backline was on the money – not waiting for direction but rather looking up the pitch and advancing the ball accordingly.
Safe to say, it’s on! Just like Marcelo, who has competition with Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois needs to step up and prove that he should be the number one choice. When it comes to keeping there are no favourites; the man with the hot hand gets the go-ahead. Saturday against Atletico Madrid will give us a clear indication as to Zidane’s pecking order between the sticks.