Real Madrid goalkeeper’s statement comes after South American Clubs impressed in the Club World Cup
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that South American teams are just as good as their European counterparts, after the performance of Brazilian sides in the Club World Cup.
Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo and Palmeiras have all impressed in the competition. Botafogo defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo overpowered Chelsea, and Fluminense knocked out Champions League finalists Inter Milan in the round of 16.
“We who understand football never doubted their level,” said Courtois. “If you believe four tweeters who think the level is s**t, you’re wrong.
“We know that Brazilian teams are good, and not that European teams are the best. I believe that’s how it is, the level is high and that’s shown in every match.”
Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense have remained in the tournament down to the last eight, and Madrid have so far avoided them. The Spanish side advanced to the quarter-finals after a narrow but composed 1-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday, sealed by a header from academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia, after a beautiful cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England international joined Madrid this summer and Courtois praised his new teammate, saying that delivering exceptional crosses was what he was all about.
“He could have provided several assists already in the tournament,” said Courtois. “In training, his striking is unbelievable. His free-kicks and corners are on another level. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with his quality in striking and crossing.”
Alexander-Arnold has featured at right-back but most recently as a wing-back for Madrid in Xabi Alonso’s new three-man defence setup.
“As a goalkeeper, he’s a nightmare at times,” said Courtois. “He keeps you on your toes and forces you to work hard to make stops. He makes us improve.”
