With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has issued a passionate defence of under-fire manager Xabi Alonso following the club's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City. The Belgian shot-stopper insisted the squad remain "united" behind the coach and pledged that the players will support him "wholeheartedly" as they look to end a poor run of form.
Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged Real Madrid’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has included “better or worse moments” after their vital 3-0 win over Athletic Club. The result snapped a run of three winless away games in La Liga and eased growing scrutiny around the squad. The Belgian goalkeeper also praised Los Blancos' response while urging the squad to maintain intensity.
Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Real Madrid were handed a bitter blow ahead of their Champions League encounter against Olympiacos on Wednesday, with the club announcing that Thibaut Courtois and Dean Huijsen have been ruled out of the game. The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who remains one of the first names on the Madrid team sheet, has been diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has named Arsenal’s David Raya among the top three goalkeepers in the world at the moment. The Belgian praised Raya’s outstanding form this season, with Arsenal yet to concede a goal in the Champions League. However, Courtois noted that Raya still faces strong competition at international level and must overcome the challenge posed by Unai Simon if he hopes to become Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Thibaut Courtois admits that Cristiano Ronaldo has “more of a winning mentality” than current Real Madrid talisman Kylian Mbappe. The Blancos’ free-scoring No.10 is, however, considered to be working on that side of his game. In time, the French forward could go on to enjoy a similar standing at Santiago Bernabeu to that which Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo continues to boast.
Thibaut Courtois admits that Lamine Yamal “lit a bit of a fire” under the latest Clasico clash between arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. Said contest took place at Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. Ugly scenes unfolded at the end of a 2-1 victory for the hosts, with teenage wonderkid Yamal attracting plenty of attention during the post-match skirmishes.
Thibaut Courtois claimed that Real Madrid are "expecting a victory" in El Clasico as Barcelona prepare for their biggest test in a bid to retain the La Liga crown. Los Blancos have had a smooth sailing so far this campaign, but there remains a blot, a significant one. Their scars from their 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid last month still sting like an open wound.
Thibaut Courtois has launched a scathing attack on La Liga president Javier Tebas for censoring player protests and called the league's actions “manipulation”. The Real Madrid goalkeeper also fired back at Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s insinuations about refereeing bias ahead of a crucial run of fixtures, including Juventus and El Clasico.
Thibaut Courtois has come to the defence of his Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior, stating that "it's not always easy when an entire stadium is after" the Brazilian. The Belgian goalkeeper believes that the opponents keep trying to take the Brazilian out of the game, but he has been "improving" by taking a leaf out of the books of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard.
Thibaut Courtois has offered an unusual piece of advice to Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens ahead of his daunting Anfield test against Premier League champions Liverpool. With Anfield remaining one of the most intimidating venues in world football, the 23-year-old faces a true baptism of fire as Ruben Amorim's struggling side face Arne Slot's free-scoring Reds.
Thibaut Courtois is of the opinion that his Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham has to play for England at the 2026 World Cup. A surprising debate has been sparked there, with the all-action midfielder being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest Three Lions squad. He is still recovering from injury, but questions have been asked of Bellingham’s character and how he fits into the puzzle being pieced together by a demanding German coach.
Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty on Tuesday, but the French star still left the pitch frustrated at not taking all of his chances. The 26-year-old, who has now scored 13 goals this season, believes finishing opportunities is exactly what he was brought to the club to do.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Real Madrid No.1 Thibaut Courtois sent him a voice note giving his verdict on Senne Lammens. Courtois believes that his Belgium understudy will be a good fit for the Premier League after the goalkeeper's £18 million ($24m) move to Manchester United from Royal Antwerp.
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