Real Madrid could have a surprise starter against Cadiz on Saturday
Real Madrid will face Cadiz tomorrow evening at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, and they could make a big change in goal for this match.
In Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid have one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and after he led La Liga in save percentage and clean sheet percentage last season, the argument can be made that he is the most in-form goalkeeper in 2020.
Courtois needs rest, though, and his backup, the young Andriy Lunin, needs opportunities. Last year’s backup, PSG loanee Alphonse Areola, was a serviceable backup, but he was content with getting limited playing time. Lunin, on the other hand, needs minutes to continue his development, especially after the first-half of his 2019-2020 stagnated on loan at Real Valladolid.
According to Agustin Martin of AS, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is considering starting Andriy Lunin against newly-promoted Cadiz on Matchday 6 in the club’s return from the international break.
Real Madrid vs. Cadiz is the perfect opportunity for an Andriy Lunin start
While Courtois has recovered from a hip injury, the Cadiz game is a perfect opportunity for Los Blancos to give Lunin a chance to start in goal for them at home. Cadiz aren’t pushovers and have an experienced La Liga striker in Alvaro Negredo, but Real will be expected to win easily.
Lunin has all the tools to become a top goalkeeper either for Real Madrid or another club. So it is imperative for Zidane to give him some starts, even if it is tough to bench Courtois, who has been so crucial for Real Madrid in the past year.
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Courtois’ recent hip injury is all the more reason to start Lunin and give the Belgian keeper some extra rest, just in case. Nothing against Cadiz, who cannot be underestimated, but Real Madrid do have bigger fixtures coming up, specifically the Oct. 24 Clasico at the Camp Nou. The Zamora Trophy winner will be especially crucial then.