Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois feels his new teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold is a nightmare for the goalkeepers. Courtois was impressed by Arnold’s unbelievable crossing ability after Los Blancos registered a 1-0 win against Juventus in the Club World Cup.
The former Liverpool defender provided an assist to Gonzalo Garcia, who scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute. With this win, Xabi Alonso’s team has qualified for the quarterfinals.
“He could have provided several assists already in the tournament,” Courtois said of the former Liverpool full-back. “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 joined Madrid from Liverpool ahead of the tournament in the United States and has started in all the club’s games so far in the competition.
“As a goalkeeper, he’s a nightmare at times,” he said. “He keeps you on your toes and forces you to work hard to make stops. He makes us improve.”
Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund in Sunday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal in New Jersey. Alonso’s team is yet to face any Brazilian club so far and the Belgian goalkeeper is aware of South American clubs’ strengths.
Courtois said: “We who know football never doubted their level. If you believe four tweeters who think the level is s—, you’re wrong.
“We, who understand football, 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. We’re having a lot of good and interesting matches to watch, and we have to keep working so that, God willing, we can reach the final.”
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso showered praise on Garcia for successfully filling in the big shoes of Kylian Mbappe, who is recovering from gastroenteritis.
“I didn’t expect him to score three goals in four games but I knew that he would work well,” Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said of García. “I have confidence in him and he is earning that trust.”
