Liverpool shot-stopper Simon Mignolet has taken a cheeky dig at his compatriot Thibaut Courtois.
Liverpool and Belgium’s number two has taken a cheeky dig at his compatriot Thibaut Courtois on social media. The 31-year-old watched from the bench as his nation overcame Russia 3-1 in the UEFA Euro Qualifier in Heysel Stadium on Thursday.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois committed a howler which lead to tap in for Russia’s star Denis Cheryshev in the 16th minute to parity the scoreline. The 26-year-old failed to sort his feet and lost out the battle to Artem Dzyuba who gave a slight nudge from the back to dispossess him. The ball fell straight into Denis Cheryshev’s foot who had to evade the goalkeeper’s tackle and score inside an open net.
THIBAUT COURTOIS’ MISTAKE VS RUSSIA:
Watch the video of Thibaut Courtois making the mistake versus Russia in the Euro Qualifiers.
His decision to leave Chelsea has not paid off as the mistakes he has been committing with the club and country has have been uncharacteristic of him.
Despite committing a howler, Courtois said that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the post-match interview.
“I consider myself to be one of the best, although the Spanish press would love to kill me,” said Courtois.
“I feel very strong and I’m at ease because I know I train and play well. ”
The goalkeeper went on to explain what happened in relation to the Cheryshev goal against Russia.
“Cheryshev elbowed me and I therefore wasn’t able to stop the ball from going in,” he noted.
“It was a small error, but these things happen in the life of a goalkeeper.”
Watching his mistake from the sidelines, his compatriot Simon Mignolet could not resist taking a dig at Courtois on social media.
The Belgian International posted four training photos and the caption read “Footwork”. The caption was inevitable that the 31-year-old was just making fun of his teammate on social media.
The fans were quick to realize that caption and had their say..
When Thibaut Courtois signed for the club, Real Madrid club president quickly pointed that the club had signed the best goalkeeper in the world.
“One of the best goalkeepers in the world arrives in Madrid, if not the best.
“Today is once again a day in which Real Madrid are happy for the incorporation of a new player, coming to Madrid at the age of 26, but with a lot of experience in European football.
“At just 19 years old he was the youngest goalkeeper to make his debut with Belgium, they all have agreed on how important Courtois was for Belgium to be third in the World Cup.
“Today is a great day, the best goalkeeper of the last World Cup comes to our club, we welcome Thibaut Courtois.” said Perez.
Thibaut Courtois left Chelsea on bad terms and the curse of the Blue faithful is coming back to haunt him as he making mistake after mistake. Following the resignation of Zinedine Zidane, Julen Lopetegui took over the club. The former Spain manager was insistent in rotating between Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois in all competitions.
However, Santiago Solari kept on playing Courtois despite the poor displays. Albeit being opted as the number between the sticks by the Argentine, the current manager Zidane decided to shuffle the pack by sticking with Keylor Navas. That move came as a shock for many fans, but the Costa Rican International was part of the side which lifted three Champions Leagues on a row and he was the first goalkeeper to earn Zidane’s trust.
The Belgian International has made 32 appearances this campaign and has not hit the heights expected from him. The Los Blancos defence has been going out for a toss more often than not, but a keeper of Courtois stature must not be conceding 42 goals from 32 games. Zidane will be hopeful to see Courtois improve in the forthcoming months to reinstate him in the starting eleven.
