Benfica goalkeeper emerges as candidate to replace Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid

Benfica goalkeeper emerges as candidate to replace Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid At 34 years of age, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois is showing no signs of slowing down and has maintained his quality and consistency year after year. Such is the player’s level that he will continue as Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper beyond any doubt, and all signs point to him even extending his stay at the Spanish capital. Real Madrid are already said to be working on the Belgian star’s continuity , but the fact remains that he does not have much longer left at the highest level. Planning for a long-term replacement, thus, is already underway. A Ukrainian option As reported by Portuguese sporting outlet A BOLA (h/t Madrid Xtra ), Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin is a goalkeeper whom Real Madrid appreciate and continue to keep an eye on in that regard. Trubin scored a last-gasp winner against Real Madrid last season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) He is on Los Blancos’ list as a future Courtois replacement, especially given his quality, consistency, and his age. At just 24 years of age, he still has the better part and prime of his career ahead of him. Several clubs are already in his pursuit including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and PSG, and Real Madrid are only the latest entrants on the list. Notably, however, he is not the only player being considered by the club and is just one of the several candidates on their list. Jose Mourinho’s influence Playing at Benfica, Trubin has worked closely with Real Madrid’s current manager Jose Mourinho, who was at the Portuguese club until a few months ago. Jose Mourinho has worked with Trubin before. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) Their relationship and history working together, needless to say, can play a massive role in boosting Trubin’s name up Real Madrid’s wish-list.  After all, the player put in sensational shifts when Los Blancos played against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League last season. Notably, Trubin’s compatriot Andriy Lunin is currently Courtois’ backup at Real Madrid and the club intends to keep him for next season as matters stand, especially given the veteran’s worrying injury record. Last season, the 24-year-old star made 32 league appearances for Benfica and oversaw 13 clean sheets with an average of 2.3 saves per game and a save percentage of 75%.  He also saved 50% of the penalties he faced and conceded only 0.8 goals per game in the competition.