Legendary goalkeeper crowns Real Madrid veteran as the ‘best in the world’ | OneFootball

Former Belgium and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff has spoken highly of Thibaut Courtois, describing the Real Madrid star as the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

Pfaff, who is widely regarded as one of Belgium’s greatest goalkeepers, recently shared his thoughts while reflecting on Courtois’ performances and Real Madrid’s current strength as a team.

He highlighted the long tradition of elite goalkeepers at the Spanish club and reminded that Real Madrid had another iconic figure in goal not too long ago.

“Thibaut Courtois is a great goalkeeper, but in the past, Real Madrid had Iker Casillas.

“It’s impossible to forget what he did at the 2010 World Cup with Spain, not to mention his long history with Real Madrid in the Champions League and domestic competitions.”

Best in modern football

Pfaff used that comparison to emphasise the level required to succeed at a club like Real Madrid. 

The Spanish giants have always demanded excellence from their goalkeepers, and Courtois has managed to maintain that standard in recent years.

Pfaff believes Courtois deserves recognition as the best goalkeeper in modern football.

Pfaff says Courtois is currently the best keeper right now. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Real Madrid has many great players, and the team is truly very good. They have a fantastic goalkeeper in Courtois, who is currently the best in the world. 

“But throughout history, there have also been great goalkeepers in different eras, such as in the 1970s, the late 1990s, and the early 2000s.”

Praise after Man City win

The Belgian legend also spoke about Real Madrid’s impressive performance against Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid produced a dominant display in that match, securing a convincing 3-0 victory that surprised many observers across Europe.

“When I watched the match on TV, I said to myself, ‘Is this really Manchester City?’”

Finally, Pfaff praised the mentality shown by Real Madrid during the match. According to the former goalkeeper, the Spanish side demonstrated a level of confidence and personality that allowed them to dominate one of Europe’s strongest teams.

“At times, I saw a different Real Madrid, a team with a very strong personality in the match,” he concluded.

Source: AS