Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois: Trent Alexander-Arnold a ‘nightmare’ for GKs
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is very impressed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s “incredible” passage of passage and described his new teammate as a “nightmare” for goalkeepers.
The defender of England provided his first assist for Madrid when he delivered a perfect crossing to Gonzalo García to score in the 1-0 victory against Juventus at the Club World Cup.
“He could have already provided several assists in the tournament,” said Courtois about Liverpool’s former rear. “In training, his shot is incredible, his free kicks and his corners are on another level. I don’t think I have seen someone with their quality by hitting and crossing.”
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid from Liverpool before the tournament in the United States. He started in all Madrid matches at the Club World Cup so far by playing in the right back and midfielder. Courtois admits that he is trying to get used to the style of play of Alexander-Arnold because he is likely to derive in a more advanced position.
“As a goalkeeper, he is sometimes a nightmare,” he said. “He keeps you on your guard and forces you to work hard to stop us. He makes us improve.”
Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter -final of the World World Cup on Sunday in New Jersey. They have avoided in front of Brazilian clubs so far in the competition, Palmeiras and Fluminense still alive in the tournament.
Asked about what he thought of the level of the South American teams, Courtois said: “We who know that football has never doubted their level. If you believe four tweeters who think that the level is s —, you are wrong.
“We, who understand football, know that the Brazilian teams are good … And not that the European teams are the best. I think it’s like that, the level is high and it is shown in every match. We have a lot of good and interesting games to watch, and we must continue to work so that God wants, we can reach the final.”
Madrid relied on García’s scorer in the United States, the 21-year-old replied for Kylian Mbappé while the French striker recovered gastroenteritis.
“I did not expect him to score three goals in four games, but I knew he would work well,” said Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, about García. “I trust him and he wins this confidence.”
García is determined to make the most of his time at the top of the line in Madrid. “What I know is that this tournament is the opportunity for a life and I plan to give 200% to get the most out of it,” he told Dazn.
