mobanmarketBrussels: Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois says he is among the world’s leading goalkeepers despite facing criticism over his form for Real Madrid in recent months.
###
“I’ve shown that I belong among the best in the world. There are perhaps 10 great goalkeepers and little to choose between them,” he said ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Russia.
###
“With my talent and my form, I am certain that I belong among the best. That is precisely why I have been criticised.”
###
He denied that he had started the season in poor form and was only now beginning to show an improvement.
###
“I have only conceded seven goals in La Liga so there is nothing wrong with my form,” he said.
###
Courtois faced criticism following Real’s 3-0 defeat at Paris St-Germain in the Champions League in September and then was substituted at half-time at home to Club Brugge after conceding two early goals last month.
###
“They were two bizarre goals and then I had to go off because I was sick,” he said, adding that the storm of criticism that followed was unfair.
###
“But I don’t read the papers. As a professional you only pay attention to what the coach, your teammates and those who know what it is like to be a goalkeeper say. To criticise someone for letting in a goal is very easy, but I’ve remained calm and done my work at training.
###
“I’ve never doubted my ability. To lose my self-confidence would be the biggest mistake I could make. You go downhill from there.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey###
“The pressure belongs at a clubs like Real and I don’t have a problem with that. At [former clubs] Chelsea, at Atletico and now at Real, you have to achieve.”
###
Courtois has gone a Belgian record seven matches without conceding for his national team, who have already qualified for next year’s European Championship.
###
They are looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group I in St Petersburg on Saturday.
###
“I’d rather win 4-3 than play a goalless draw. Winning is the most important. But with respect to our opponents, most of the matches we’ve played recently we’ve been obliged to keep a clean sheet by keeping our concentration because we have been comfortably ahead,” he added.
###