Real Madrid: Alphonse Areola gives the club even more safety
Real Madrid have one of the world’s best goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois, but don’t forget to kick some praise to his backup Alphonse Areola, too.
The depth in Real Madrid’s 2019-2020 squad is impressive, and it’s why they are among the favorites to win the Champions League this season. They have withstood a massive amount of injuries already this season, as they finished 2019 with four injured players, including superstar Eden Hazard.
Goalkeeper is one position whose depth has not been tested to this point. Thibaut Courtois has been exceptional since Real Madrid allowed two goals in the first half of a 2-2 October draw with Club Brugge, in which the keeper was subbed at the half with a stomach illness. That started a brief goalkeeper controversy, but Zindine Zidane was not swayed like the extreme faction of Madridistas who grew tired of Courtois’ mediocre performances.
Zidane stuck by Courtois, and he’s rewarded his manager by being one of Europe’s best goalies since, pitching clean sheet after clean sheet with a number of big saves thrown in.
But while we’re busy praising Courtois for proving so many critics wrong in 2019-2020, it’s also wise to send some kind words to his backup.
Alphonse Areola joined Real Madrid on loan from PSG this Fall as Keylor Navas’ actual replacement behind Courtois. Navas has been shining at PSG, even robbing Real of a win in the Champions League in November. However, Areola has shown his quality, too.
The 26-year-old had a clean sheet earlier this season against Osasuna and played relatively well in recent matches against Deportivo Alaves and Club Brugge. He didn’t have a clean sheet against Alaves, but he could do nothing about the penalty Sergio Ramos conceded.
dark. Next. Could James join Ancelotti at Everton?
Areola isn’t a superstar keeper, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better backup in La Liga or in Europe for that matter. There are a few quality clubs where he’d be in the conversation as a starter. At Real Madrid, he’s clearly the backup to the more prolific and proven Courtois, who is in wonderful form, but if anything were to happen to Courtois, Zidane can rest easy knowing he has another talented keeper behind him.
Feeling safe with the goalkeeping situation is imperative for any Champions League team, and Areola can inspire safety in goal. It is a luxury to have two starting-caliber goalkeepers in the squad, but for a club of Real Madrid’s stature, this “luxury” is a necessity. Los Blancos have a well-rounded, deep squad capable of winning multiple trophies both this season and beyond, and it’s prudent moves like acquiring Areola on loan that have helped them get here.