Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Who is the better El Clasico GK in EA FC 25?

Thibaut Courtois vs ter Stegen
Thibaut Courtois vs ter Stegen (Image via EA)

In EA FC 25, a Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen face-off in El Clasico adds a special layer of excitement. Both goalkeepers are essential for their respective teams—Real Madrid and Barcelona. They boast an identical overall rating of 89 in Ultimate Team, but which one is truly the better goalkeeper when it comes to EA FC 25?

The question of Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been hotly debated among players, and this article will break down their stats to determine which shot-stopper reigns supreme.

Both Courtois and Ter Stegen are recognized among the best goalkeepers in the world, and in EA FC 25, they reflect their real-life counterparts. However, the small differences in their attributes may decide who is the ultimate El Clasico keeper.

With chemistry in Ultimate Team, goalkeeping animations, and their specific strengths considered, we’ll find out who emerges as the winner of the Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen debate.

Check out EA FC 25 review


Stat comparison: Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen in EA FC 25

ter Stegen's stats (Image via EA)
ter Stegen's stats (Image via EA)

Diving

When it comes to diving, both Thibaut Courtois and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are incredibly strong. Courtois has an impressive diving stat of 85, while Ter Stegen edges him out slightly with an 86.

This slight advantage means Ter Stegen may be slightly better at saving long-range shots, but Courtois’s height (6’7”) makes up for this minor gap. In practice, Courtois’ reach allows him to cover more of the goal, making it harder for attackers to find an opening.

Handling

In Ultimate Team, handling is key to preventing rebounds. Thibaut Courtois holds an advantage here with a handling stat of 89, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen trails with 85. Courtois’ handling allows him to catch more shots cleanly, preventing follow-up attempts from the opposition.

Kicking

Distribution can be critical, especially for starting counterattacks. Ter Stegen’s 89 kicking far surpasses Courtois’ 76, making him the clear choice if you prefer a goalkeeper who excels at launching quick, accurate goal kicks or passes to outfield players. For those who like to play out from the back, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s kicking stat makes him the more reliable option in this category.

Courtois's stats (Image via EA)
Courtois's stats (Image via EA)

Reflexes

Goalkeeper reflexes are vital for close-range saves. Thibaut Courtois’ reflexes come in at 90, just below Ter Stegen’s impressive 91. However, the difference here is marginal, and both keepers are top-tier when it comes to reacting quickly to unexpected shots. While Ter Stegen has a slight edge, Courtois' exceptional frame again makes him hard to beat in these situations.

Speed

In terms of speed, both goalkeepers are nearly identical, with Courtois clocking in at 46 and Ter Stegen at 47. Neither player is particularly fast, so this stat likely won’t play a major role in determining who is better. Still, Ter Stegen holds the slightest of edges in this department.

Positioning

Positioning is crucial for consistently being in the right place at the right time. Thibaut Courtois excels with 88 positioning, slightly higher than Ter Stegen’s 86.

This stat ensures the Real Madrid star is more likely to be in the perfect position to make saves, especially in one-on-one situations. His excellent positioning, combined with his height and reach, makes him extremely difficult to beat and give him the edge in this category.


Chemistry in Ultimate Team: Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen

When building your Ultimate Team squad, chemistry is an important factor. Thibaut Courtois has strong chemistry links with other high-rated Real Madrid players such as Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão, both of whom are solid defenders. This gives Courtois an advantage when linking up with elite La Liga defenders.

On the other hand, Marc-Andre ter Stegen provides excellent chemistry with top Barcelona players like Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo.

Both goalkeepers offer good options for La Liga-based teams, but if you’re building a squad around Real Madrid’s stars, Courtois’s chemistry potential is superior.


Goalkeeping animations: Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen

ter Stegen's PlayStyles (Image via EA)
ter Stegen's PlayStyles (Image via EA)

Goalkeeping animations in EA FC 25 are essential to how a keeper performs. Thibaut Courtois is known for his long reach and dominant presence in-game, which can feel more effective, especially in high-pressure situations. His animations for saving shots low to the ground and stopping crosses are particularly strong.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while excellent in reflex saves, may feel less commanding due to his smaller frame compared to Courtois. This often makes Courtois the preferred choice among players who value a goalkeeper who “feels” unbeatable.


PlayStyles: Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Courtois's Playstyles (Image via EA)
Courtois's Playstyles (Image via EA)

This year in EA FC 25, goalkeepers have also been given PlayStyle+ which were not present when they were introduced with EA FC 24. Ter Stegen features two—Footwork+ and 1v1 Close Down. Whereas, Courtois features three, namely 1v1 Close Down+, Cross Claimer, and Far Throw.

In terms of PlayStyles, Courtois seems to have the edge over Ter Stegen in the Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen debate.


Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Who Is the Better El Clasico GK?

In the showdown between Thibaut Courtois vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen in EA FC 25, both goalkeepers bring elite skills to the table. Ter Stegen’s superior kicking and a slight edge in reflexes make him an excellent option, especially for teams focused on playing out from the back.

However, when factoring in overall handling, positioning, and Courtois’ imposing presence in-game, Thibaut Courtois emerges as the better El Clasico goalkeeper. His superior handling and positioning, combined with his ability to link up with Real Madrid’s top defenders, give him the edge in Ultimate Team.

Quick Links

Edited by Abu Amjad Khan
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications