Alisson or Courtois: Which goalkeeper should Real Madrid move for?
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La Liga giants looking for a new number one
After winning three consecutive Champions League titles, Real Madrid clearly don’t need to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer.
But they have been frequent reports that they’re looking to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Keylor Navas.
Roma’s Alisson and Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois have emerged as the leading contenders to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu. But who’d be the better fit? The Coral News Team have cast their eye over the candidates…
Experience
Alisson may be Brazil’s number one at the World Cup, but the 25-year-old has only had one full season of being a first-choice goalkeeper in a top European league.
During his first season in Rome, he was understudy to Wojciech Szczesny. The former Internacional shot-stopper only made his Serie A debut this term.
Courtois is also at the World Cup, playing between the posts for Belgium. He’s got far more top-level experience than Alisson too.
The Chelsea ‘keeper kept the most clean sheets in La Liga during two of his three years on loan at Atletico Madrid. He also helped Diego Simeone’s side to league and Europa League glory, as well as a run to the Champions League final.
Courtois’ presence led Chelsea to let club legend Petr Cech leave the club. He’s won two Premier League titles in four years at Stamford Bridge.
Courtois 1-0 Alisson
Reliability
For all of Courtois’ accolades, he does have a clanger in him every now and then. One of the most notable came in the second-leg of Chelsea’s Champions League second-round tie against Barcelona last season.
The Blues they found themselves a goal down after just two minutes when Courtois let a Lionel Messi shot through his legs. Messi later scored again with a similar goal to seal a 3-0 win and knock the West London club out.
It may be because he’s not played as many games on the big stage, but Alisson has made very few costly errors since establishing himself at Roma.
Courtois 1-1 Alisson
Distribution
Having a goalkeeper who can start attacks with quick and accurate passes is becoming increasingly important in the modern game.
It’s not something that Courtois is really known for, although he is able to throw the ball very long distances.
Alisson has really worked on his distribution this year, elevating it to the point where Manchester City’s Ederson is only seen as a back-up for Brazil. That’s some feat, given that Ederson has the ability to spray laser-guided passes into his attacking teammates.
Courtois 1-2 Alisson
Value
Reports suggest Roma have put a £75m price tag on Alisson’s head, more than double the current record fee for a goalkeeper (City’s £35m signing of Ederson).
Courtois would also likely command a record fee, but there could be room for negotiation. He only has a year left on his Chelsea contract and hasn’t shown much interest in signing an extension. He’s also frequently hinted at his desire to return to Spain, where his family still live.
Chelsea could be tempted to sell him this summer rather than lose him on a free transfer, especially if he pushes for a move.
Courtois 2-2 Alisson
Star Status
At Real Madrid, fame is almost as important as ability on the pitch. Club president Florentino Perez loves nothing more than bringing in another big name, whether or not it’s what the team needs.
Courtois’ star has faded a little during his time in England. He’s still one of the best around, but his relatively poor displays in Chelsea’s two recent limp title defences don’t reflect particularly well on him.
Alisson’s reputation is still on the rise. He’s quickly shot himself into the elite bracket and would probably be the more exciting signing of the two. It helps that he’s currently representing Brazil in Russia too – the Selecao still capture the imagination in a way no other international side does.
Courtois 2-3 Alisson
Winner: Alisson
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
