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Courtois faces record shots, yet still saves Madrid
9 Oct
Summary
- Courtois faces most shots in first eight games of his Real Madrid career.
- Despite facing more shots, Courtois maintains an impressive 76% save rate.
- Real Madrid's defense is prone to lapses, leading to increased pressure.
Thibaut Courtois is experiencing his busiest start to a season since joining Real Madrid, facing a record 37 shots through his first eight games. This marks a significant increase from previous seasons, with an average of 4.6 shots per game compared to 3.6.
Despite conceding nine goals, Courtois has maintained an impressive 76% save rate, consistently making crucial saves. His busiest previous season was 2020-21, when he faced 35 shots in his first eight matches.
The underlying issue is Real Madrid's defense, which has shown lapses in concentration, leading to periods of intense pressure. This defensive vulnerability has made Courtois' job exceptionally demanding.
Courtois has opted out of international duty to focus on his recovery and performance for Real Madrid, emphasizing his commitment to the club. His contract, expiring in 2027, is expected to be extended by one year, following club policy for players over 30.
