Kiko Casilla, former Real Madrid player
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Thibaut Courtois continues to have one of the most important jobs in Real Madrid’s squad, and former goalkeeper Kiko Casilla believes the Belgian is giving the club exactly what it needs: points and composure.
Courtois has faced questions at various stages of his career about whether age could eventually affect his level, but Casilla sees little reason for concern.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Elche, the former Madrid goalkeeper made it clear that Courtois’ performances should speak for themselves.
“No one can criticise how he’s performing,” Casilla stated, as per MARCA.
Courtois still providing Madrid with security
Casilla’s assessment goes beyond saves and statistics, as he believes Courtois’ biggest contribution is the calm he gives the team behind him.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid player
Kiko Casilla has come out in support of Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“He’s someone who’s earning us a lot of points and bringing a real sense of calm.”
That sense of security could be especially valuable during a season in which Real Madrid are expected to compete for major honours on several fronts.
Casilla also pointed to Andriy Lunin, suggesting the club can rely on both of its senior goalkeepers.
Casilla knows the Madrid pressure first-hand
Casilla experienced that reality himself and says the expectations begin long before a player establishes himself at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Since I was 14, I’ve been lucky enough to know what that entails,” he explained.
Kiko Casilla, former Real Madrid player
Kiko Casilla has played for both Real Madrid and Elche. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The pressure only intensifies once a player becomes part of the senior side, particularly in front of the home crowd.
“When you pull on the first-team shirt, and particularly at the Bernabeu, it’s very demanding – you really feel it.”
That environment can make even positive results feel uncomfortable. Casilla recalled occasions when Madrid could be two goals ahead and still hear the familiar murmurs from the stands.
For Casilla, learning to live with that atmosphere is part of being a Madrid player rather than something that should be viewed as an unusual burden.
“You have to know how to handle it, and I think any player at Real Madrid is aware of those expectations and is used to them,” he concluded.
Endrick of Real Madrid
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One player whose future looked uncertain at Real Madrid all summer was Endrick, with the Brazilian considering a potential loan exit for regular minutes.
Eventually, Jose Mourinho’s steadfast stance to keep him in the squad played a pivotal role in the 20-year-old staying at the Bernabeu.
Finding the minutes to justify that decision has been difficult, though, with the Brazilian’s injury further complicating the situation.
According to AS, Endrick now faces a fight to get into the team and has little room for error when he does get a chance, with the possibility of a January exit not being ruled out.
The Brazilian international had been close to joining Roma during the summer before Mourinho intervened.
The coach was impressed by his pre-season and believed his versatility could become particularly useful while Rodrygo remains sidelined, with his return not expected until January 2027.
The Italian side still remain interested in a January move for him and could look to sign him on loan with purchase and buyback options.
Mourinho stopped Endrick from leaving
Endrick trusted Mourinho’s plan and remained at the Bernabeu, knowing his situation could be revisited in January if opportunities proved too limited.
Endrick of Real Madrid
Endrick has a decision to make on his Real Madrid future. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
His season then suffered an immediate setback. Muscular problems kept him unavailable for Real Madrid’s opening four La Liga matches.
Endrick has since returned to the squad, making the bench against Inter Milan and Rayo Vallecano, but he has yet to make his first appearance of the campaign.
Mourinho’s admiration remains clear.
“He is a player I like a lot. He had contact with several clubs, but I didn’t want to loan or sell him. He has important talents,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho sees the 20-year-old as a player who can play anywhere across the attacking line, and that ability is what makes him an option for the Portuguese tactician.
“On the right, left, as a nine, as a ten… he can play anywhere up front,” the manager explained.
Real Madrid’s attack is overstocked
Kylian Mbappe already has seven goals and is playing at a level that makes resting him difficult. Carlos Espi has scored and impressed without yet earning his first start.
Elsewhere, Arda Guler has become increasingly important, Yan Diomande is gaining momentum and Brahim Diaz has delivered when given opportunities.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Endrick could play on the left-wing to help Vinicius rest in the coming months. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
This leaves Endrick with his clearest opening on the left wing, where he needs to compete with Vinicius Junior for minutes.
September is too early to panic about Endrick’s minutes, but another four months of not playing much is not going to help anyone.
Endrick already benefited enormously from regular football during his previous loan at Lyon. At his age, another season spent largely watching from the bench would offer little value.
Mourinho may have fought to keep Endrick in the summer, but a more practical call needs to be taken in January.
It remains to be seen how the South American’s future plays out in the coming months.