Thibaut Courtois has heaped reward on new team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, describing the Real Madrid right-back as a “nightmare” to cope with and hailing his crossing as “unbelievable.”
The England worldwide, who not too long ago made the change from Liverpool, registered his first help for Madrid with an beautiful cross for Gonzalo Garcia of their 1-0 victory over Juventus on the Club World Cup.
As a consequence, his new taking part in companions, notably Courtois, have heaped reward on the defender.
“He might have supplied a number of assists already within the match,” Courtois stated of Alexander-Arnold. “In coaching, his placing is unbelievable, his free-kicks and corners are on one other degree. I don’t suppose I’ve seen anybody along with his high quality in placing and crossing.”
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid shortly earlier than the beginning of the match within the United States and has featured in all of their matches thus far, impressing in each his pure right-back position and in midfield.
Courtois admitted he’s nonetheless adjusting to taking part in behind such an adventurous full-back.
Courtois is loving being on the identical aspect as Trent Alexander-Arnold ❤️🤝 pic.twitter.com/O2ABCMhXOn
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 2, 2025
“As a goalkeeper, he’s a nightmare at occasions,” Courtois added. “He retains you in your toes and forces you to work laborious to make stops. He makes us enhance.”
Real Madrid are set to face Borussia Dortmund within the Club World Cup quarter-finals this Sunday in New Jersey. So far, they’ve managed to keep away from Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense, each of whom stay within the competitors.
When requested in regards to the high quality of South American groups, Courtois dismissed any doubts over their competitiveness.
“We who know soccer by no means doubted their degree. If you imagine 4 tweeters who suppose the extent is sh*t, you’re improper,” he stated.
“We, who perceive soccer, know that Brazilian groups are good… and never that European groups are one of the best. I imagine that’s how it’s, the extent is excessive and that’s proven in each match. We’re having a number of good and fascinating matches to look at, and now we have to maintain working in order that, God prepared, we are able to attain the ultimate.”
Madrid have additionally benefited from the emergence of 21-year-old Garcia, who has stepped up within the absence of Kylian Mbappe, not too long ago sidelined on account of gastroenteritis.
“I didn’t count on him to attain three targets in 4 video games however I knew that he would work nicely,” stated head coach Xabi Alonso. “I’ve confidence in him and he’s incomes that belief.”
