Real Madrid new arrival unlikely to start against Almeria
Words cannot do justice to the impact Thibaut Courtois has had on Real Madrid’s results in recent years.
Words cannot do justice to the impact Thibaut Courtois has had on Real Madrid’s results in recent years.
Be it a routine La Liga clash or the final of the UEFA Champions League, the Belgian international has seldom allowed his confidence or level to drop. In fact, it was his heroics that kept Liverpool at bay during Los Blancos’ most recent UCL final.
His ACL injury thus came as a massive blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. The Italian tactician places his faith in Andriy Lunin but now also has the services of the newly arrived Kepa Arrizabalaga.
According to reports from Javi Herraez, there are doubts over the new signing starting against Almeria this weekend. The manager feels that Kepa needs more time to acclimatise to Real Madrid’s ways and thus could opt for Lunin to play tomorrow.
Speaking earlier this week in a detailed interview, the on-loan star revealed his excitement about wearing the white colours and his impending debut for the club.
"Last year I played as an opponent and I want to go to the local locker room. I’m looking forward to debuting there. I hope to see you very soon at the Santiago Bernabeu. Hala Madrid!"
With a spot in the team tomorrow looking increasingly unlikely, Kepa could well make his debut for the team at Municipal de Balaidos against the tricky Celta Vigo.
Andriy Lunin’s future was hanging by a thread at the beginning of the summer transfer window. There were reports of the club wanting to sell the Ukrainian international
However, he now has the chance of a lifetime. A strong showing in the coming games could turn around his fortunes and he will look to replicate the good form he showed in the league opener.
Ancelotti recently spoke on Lunin’s quality and the faith he had in the youngster, saying,
“We give all the confidence in the world to Lunin, who is a great goalkeeper. In the pre-season, he did well. Total confidence in him, we think he is a talent. What he lacks is what everyone lacks, the experience, but he will take it little by little.”
Despite that, though, Kepa is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper, although the Spaniard will be eased into action and as such, he is unlikely to start in the Almeria clash.