Analysis: Why Keylor Navas Still Becomes Real Madrid No. 1 Goalkeeper

DBasia.news – Real Madrid started the season smoothly by two winnings in the beginning weeks of LaLiga. In the second week, Madrid won 4-1 against Girona.

Interestingly, in that match, Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui sent Keylor Navas as the goalkeeper. This is the third consecutive match of Navas believed as the main goalkeeper.

Previously, Navas also performed in the UEFA match against Atletico Madrid and the first week of LaLiga against Getafe. Yes, Navas is still believed by Lopetegui though Madrid have the new goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.

Previously there was an issue that Courtois will play for Madrid in the match against Girona. But, Navas’ impressive performances in two recent matches made Lopetegui still gave the trust to the Costa Rica goalkeeper. As expected, Navas performed great against Girona.

No wonder if Madrid’s public praised Navas. In the social media, may say Courtois should get used to sit on the bench

Since Madrid’s plan to recruit a new goalkeeper heard, Navas always stated that he is ready to compete. And as usual, Navas could answer the challenge, at least until now.

After the match against Girona, Navas restated that he won’t leave Madrid even though he has to compete with Courtois.

“Keylor got the nod today and did very well. There’s great competition,” Lopetegui said after the match against Girona.

The coach couldn’t give the confirmation about the squad’s goalkeeper position. “We will see what happens in the future but there is great competition in each position,” Lopetegui said.

Navas Vs Courtois Statistic

Seeing the performance last year, in terms of the clean sheet, Courtois was better compared to Navas. Courtois scored 15 clean sheets in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Navas just scored 6 clean sheets.

But overall, in many aspects Navas was better than Courtois. Last season, Navas just conceded 31 goals in the league, while Courtois conceded 34 times.

Navas also won in terms of saving. He scored 83 savings from 27 matches, while Courtois 76 times in 35 matches.

And, most importantly, Courtois has never got the Champions League title. While Navas achieved the Champions League trophies in three consecutive seasons.

Other Factors

No one denies Navas’ tough mentality. It’s related closely with his interesting career journey.

Keylor arrived in Real Madrid after his great performance with Costa Rica in 2014 Brasil World Cup. Navas joined Madrid after the journey with other Spanish clubs like Albacete and Levante.

In Madrid, Navas actually placed as the option for Iker Casillas. One season later, Casillas decided to leave. Had no choice, Madrid gave the trust for the main goalkeeper to Navas.

This plan was rejected by Madrid supporters who wanted Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to replace Casillas.

Though refused in the beginning, Navas succeeded in stealing the supporters’ heart after helping Madrid winning the Champions League. The same achievement repeated in the next two seasons.

But, what Navas did to Madrid seemed not enough. Every time the transfer market opened, Navas’ name always written on the transfer list. But, once the transfer market closed, Navas still wore Los Blancos’ jersey and became the hero.

Keylor Navas performed consistently. Outside the pitch, he showed his politeness. Navas also has the quality, ambition, and champion mentality. Everything wrapped in his humble character that could make everyone falls for him.