Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois enjoyed a fabulous 2022
By Sahel Kazi
Real Madrid fans were once again left in complete awe over Thibaut Courtois’ match-winning capabilities in Valladolid this week. The Belgian shot-stopper ended 2022 in just the right manner, saving Los Blancos from defeat for what seemed like the umpteenth time over the past year.
Of course, each of his brilliant performances in the Champions League last season sent waves of “where would we be without him?” through the Real Madrid fan base, as onlookers gradually realised how much of an asset Courtois is for the club.
Without doubt, Courtois’ year was nothing short of magnificent and it ended that way as well, with a stunning performance against Real Valladolid.
Here are the highlights of what will go down as one of the most successful calendar years for a goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history.
Key role in Real Madrid’s La Liga success in the 2021-22 campaign
Courtois’ saves went a long way in both saving and salvaging points for Real Madrid at crucial stages of last season. The 35th La Liga crown eventually came relatively easily, being sealed off at the Santiago Bernabeu four gameweeks in advance.
Even so, there were times last season when second-placed Sevilla came ever so close to forging a turnover, only to be thwarted by Courtois’ brilliance in between the posts.
Most significant of those came from range at Celta Vigo, where Real Madrid won, and with his feet at home versus Granada. A double save from close range in an intense 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano can never be spoken about enough either, especially in a game where the opposition dominated Los Blancos in the shots department 19 to 13. He pulled off other crucial saves in wins over the likes of Levante and Atletico Madrid as well.
Courtois’ contributions to Los Blancos’ 35th La Liga title will always go under the radar because of how crucial he was to their Champions League triumph.