Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso changes Thibaut Courtois's life
The statistic that shows the remarkable change Courtois has undergone with Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid finished August as the leader in LaLiga after winning its first 3 matches. Although the club conceded a goal in its last match, Courtois has experienced a surprising change. According to what we know at Defensa Central, the Belgian is not in the top 10 of goalkeepers with the most saves in LaLiga.
Although this might seem like a negative fact at first, it's actually quite the opposite. Not being part of this ranking proves the excellent defensive work Real Madrid has shown in its matches. The defensive solidity of the backline, along with the constant pressure everyone puts on the opponent, has produced the desired results.
This statistic is even more surprising when Sergio Herrera, Osasuna's goalkeeper and the last place in the ranking, has only 8 saves. Thibaut Courtois, throughout the start of this campaign, has had to make few saves thanks to the great Merengue defense. Even so, when the Belgian has to prove his worth, he does so to save the club without hesitation.
Xabi's great work
At 33 years old, Thibaut Courtois remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Despite the injuries he has suffered during recent seasons, these have not diminished his performance in the slightest. This start to the campaign has proved exactly that, with Courtois conceding only 1 goal and keeping 2 clean sheets.
Xabi Alonso has managed, through effort and high demands, to get Real Madrid to fix its defensive problems. The absence of injuries has also been a very favorable factor in achieving this. The ranking of goalkeepers with the most saves is led by Aarón Escandell with 22, 10 more than second place Antonio Sivera with 12 saves.
In third, fourth, and fifth place are Pablo Cuñat, Marko Dmitrovic, and Leo Román with 11. With 9 saves are Álvaro Vallés, Matías Dituro, Ørjan Nyland, and Joan García. Finally, the already mentioned Sergio Herrera with 8, finishing the list where Courtois is absent.
Security in the goal
Despite the defensive solidity the team now has, Courtois hasn't become overconfident. The Belgian knows the season has just begun, with the most important matches still to be played. Although there is trust that the defense can stop the opponents, Courtois is ready to save the club if necessary.
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