3. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has absolutely tipped the scales at Real Madrid after all of the disrespect and initial seasons of poor results. The Belgian Wall has risen from being one of the most rebuked players in white to becoming the most trusted and reputable man between the sticks.
Despite being ranked in a rather ridiculous position on the Yashin Trophy rankings, Courtois’ incredible performances have demonstrated why the votes were either meaningless or prejudiced. This season, the Belgian has been unrivalled in terms of consistency, having started 45 games across all competitions.
The Real Madrid #1 has generated some outstanding statistics, including a save percentage of 75% in La Liga and conceding approximately 28 goals from 105 shots faced while limiting the goals against per 90 ratio to 0.87, which is less than a goal conceded each game.
What these statistics don’t reveal is the grade of Courtois’ heroics. Shots as quick as speeding bullets, and some as close as a yard away from his face, have been spectacularly saved by the goalkeeper week in and week out which makes him an undisputed podium holder in our rankings.
Thibaut Courtois is a real candidate this season to win the Yashin Trophy and ascend to a far more reasonable place on the Ballon d’Or rankings, which are, in all honesty, regarded to be weighted by many other names from Real Madrid.