“He has gone from being a great to the best in the world” - Santiago Canizares heaps praise on Real Madrid star ahead of El Classico against Barcelona

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has lavished praise on Thibaut Courtois ahead of the El Clasico against Barcelona this weekend. Los Blancos lock horns with their bitter rivals in a vital LaLiga clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 26.

Courtois has been indispensable for Real Madrid since arriving from Chelsea in 2018. The Belgian missed much of last season due to an ACL injury, with Andriy Lunin admirably filling in until he returned.

Unfortunately, Thibaut Courtois picked up a muscle injury in Los Blancos' 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek and is sidelined for a while. Lunin is now expected to take the field against Barcelona this weekend.

Canizares labeled Courtois as one of the best in the world and said via Mundo Deportivo:

“Courtois is the best goalkeeper I have ever seen. He is very good, he has a lot of talent and he has grown a lot in recent years under Luis Llopis. He has gone from being a great goalkeeper to the best in the world.”

“Lunin, from the doubts he generated, has made him one of the best in the Champions League. His work must be valued. Courtois is capable of handling one-on-one situations and blocking the goal,” he added.

Lunin has made just two appearances across competitions for Real Madrid this season, keeping one clean sheet.

Can Real Madrid stop the Barcelona bandwagon on Saturday?

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick

Barcelona have been on fire since Hansi Flick took charge this summer, winning 11 of their 13 games across competitions.

Their only defeat in the league came against Osasuna in September. Flick has rejuvenated the team, despite Barcelona missing out on many of their priority targets this summer.

The German manager has helped Robert Lewandowski rediscover his golden touch, while Raphinha is playing some of the best football of his career. Lamine Yamal has continued his spectacular rise this season.

Barca will face Real Madrid on the back of a commanding 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek. Meanwhile, Los Blancos haven't been at their best this season, but are still churning out results.

The Spanish champions signed Kylian Mbappe this summer, but the French superstar is yet to hit top gear. However, Real Madrid arrive at this season's first El Clasico following a fantastic 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

With Vinicius Junior firing on all cylinders, Carlo Ancelotti's team should be quietly confident of beating their bitter rivals at home.