Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
It is not often that you see a Real Madrid superstar wax lyrical about a Barcelona counterpart, but when it happens, you know it is significant.
Thibaut Courtois has delivered some significant praise for Raphinha, admitting that the Barcelona attacker remains underappreciated despite his enormous influence.
Courtois impressed by Raphinha
Speaking with Onda Cero, as quoted by Diario AS, Courtois singled out Raphinha when discussing Barça and the threats Madrid will have to deal with in the upcoming Clasico.
“I like Raphinha a lot; he’s key to his team and scores lots of goals,” Courtois said.
“He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.”
Raphinha’s evolution as a footballer has been incredible to watch. He has become much more than the hard-working winger Barça initially signed.
Federico Valverde, Real Madrid player
Raphinha has been in sensational form since the start of the season. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Under Hansi Flick, his pressing, movement and ability to attack central areas have transformed him into one of the team’s most decisive forwards.
Real Madrid already thinking about Raphinha
Courtois also made it clear that Madrid know exactly how dangerous he can be when the two rivals meet.
“A month from now we will have to find a way to stop him,” the Belgian added.
Raphinha has reached the point where an opponent like Madrid cannot simply prepare for Barcelona collectively.
His individual ability and goalscoring threat need special attention, and Courtois is not shying away from it.
There has often been a strange gap between Raphinha’s production and the wider recognition he receives.
Players with more glamorous reputations can dominate the conversation, but his importance to Flick’s Barcelona is difficult to dispute.
However, his unprecedented start to the season, where he has either scored or assisted in every game for club and country so far, has made people sit up and take notice.
Raphinha, Barcelona player
Raphinha has not been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
His ability to press relentlessly while still delivering goals makes him particularly awkward for Madrid. They cannot afford to give him space, nor can they sit back and let him have the ball.
Courtois may admire the Barça man, but Madrid must focus on themselves
For all of Courtois’ warm words about the Barça man, when the Clasico comes around next month, Madrid’s focus must be on themselves.
Real Madrid cannot afford to admire Barcelona’s start to the season. The onus is now on them to close the six-point gap.
As good as Raphinha or Barça can be, Madrid are a level above everyone else when they play their best game.
When El Clasico comes around, that is exactly what Los Blancos need to do, and it remains to be seen how the battle between Jose Mourinho and Hansi Flick plays out.
Mourinho considering moving Real Madrid midfielder into defence against Villarreal
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho is considering using Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back when Real Madrid face Villarreal, according to Bernabeu Digital, as defensive options continue to shrink.
It is to be noted that Raul Asensio’s absence due to surgery has left Mourinho with another problem in central defence, while Ibrahima Konate is still working on his way back to full fitness.
Real Madrid remain confident that Konate can recover in time for the match, but the club does not want to rush him unnecessarily, prompting Mourinho to consider a familiar alternative.
Tchouameni has already filled in at centre-back for Real Madrid on several occasions in the past when injuries have left the team short of defenders.
Now, as reported by the outlet, Mourinho is considering using the Frenchman in the position against Villarreal if Konate is not ready.
Tchouameni could be Mourinho’s second centre-back against Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The move would allow Real Madrid to avoid taking unnecessary risks with Konate while still maintaining a recognised midfielder in the defensive line.
For now, Real Madrid are facing a severe shortage in the centre-back position considering that Dean Huijsen is suspended after his red card against Atletico Madrid, leaving Antonio Rudiger as the only available option for the manager.
Hence, Tchouameni’s experience in the role would not really be a completely new tactical experiment for Mourinho.
Konate fitness will decide the plan
For now, Konate’s recovery remains the key factor.
Ibrahima Konaté of Real Madrid
Konate is working to be available for the match. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are hopeful that the French centre-back will be available, which would reduce the need for Tchouameni to drop into defence.
However, with Asensio and Huijsen both unavailable, Mourinho needs a contingency plan in case the French defender does not receive medical clearance.
The next few days should therefore determine the manager’s decision. If Konate returns in time, he is expected to remain the preferred option.
If not, Tchouameni could once again be asked to provide cover at the heart of the Real Madrid defence against Villarreal.