Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez was one of the club’s most storied goalkeepers in the recent past, enjoying a brief but successful stint at the Bernabeu.
Now retired, Lopez, in a recent interview (h/t Diario AS), has offered his thoughts on the current debate surrounding Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin ahead of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
“There is a lot of talk about it and it is logical, but we must give normality to the situation,” said Lopez when asked about the goalkeeping debate.
Courtois or Lunin?
Lopez was unequivocal in his praise for Courtois. “For me, Courtois is the best in the world,” he said. “You just have to look at what he has shown over the last few years. He is the best and there is no doubt about that.”
Lopez’s praise of Courtois hints that he would like the Belgian to start for Real Madrid when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the UCL final on June 1.
The Spaniard even claimed that Courtois will eventually reclaim his former self after spending almost the entirety of the season on the sidelines.
“When he was injured he was in impressive form and was decisive for his team. It is a luxury to be able to enjoy a goalkeeper like that. He will go back to being the same as before,” he said.
However, Diego Lopez also recognised the impact made by Andriy Lunin and just how well the Ukrainian has been able to fill in the shoes of Courtois. “Lunin has had a great season,” he admitted.
Diego Lopez trusts Ancelotti to make the right decision
However, he emphasized the trust he has in Carlo Ancelotti’s decision-making process. “Ancelotti has the most information about both of them and he will make the most appropriate decision thinking about the good of the team,” he said.
Extending his praise on Ancelotti’s experience and decision-making skills, Lopez added, “Whoever doesn’t play will be more hurt, but he will understand that it is a studied and thoughtful decision, not a capricious one.
“Ancelotti is number one in that. He is a great person, very close to the players, whom he cares for, understands and knows how to connect with. He sure manages it perfectly.”
It must be noted that Diego Lopez played under the leadership of Ancelotti during the 2013/14 campaign when he notably featured in 36 league matches by moving ahead of legacy star Iker Casillas in the pecking order.
A decade later, Lopez now recalls a similar theme playing out for the Real Madrid hierarchy as they make an important decision between Courtois and Lunin.
