Thibaut Courtois has been hard done by by FIFA, according to former Valencia stopper Santi Canizares…
Former Spain international Santi Canizares has praised the world’s two best goalkeepers, but disagreed with the nomination of German stopper Manuel Neuer for the Ballon d’Or ahead of Thibaut Courtois.
Bayern Munich keeper Neuer is on the shortlist for the award alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, after winning the World Cup in the summer, but former Valencia and Real Madrid man Canizares denies that any distinction can be made between the stopper and his Belgian counterpart:
“Neuer is absolutely world class; without a doubt,” Goal report him as saying.
“But I would classify Thibaut Courtois as roughly equal. For me they are by far the two best goalkeepers [in the world].”
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This is hardly a controversial opinion, and while there is debate over which of the two is better; few deny they are a cut above the rest of the world’s custodians.
Neuer is known for his ability on the ball. The former Schalke 04 player loves to push high up the pitch behind Bayern’s defensive line and play as an auxiliary defender. He’s no slouch in defence either, and has lightning quick reflexes.
Chelsea’s Courtois on the other hand is almost 6’7 and uses his height to great effect. Nobody else in the world comes close when it comes to claiming crosses, and the Belgian also uses his enormous size to make things incredibly difficult for strikers in one-on-ones.