Qatar 2022, will Courtois manage to repeat the individual title win he won four years ago at Russia 2018: here’s who’s trailing him.
We all would have liked our Gigio Donnarumma, the hero of Euro 2020 with his decisive saves in the penalty shoot-out against England, to be in the running for this coveted prize. Instead, due to Italy’s non-qualification, the Psg and Azzurri goalkeeper will be one of the big losers of this World Cup. He will not be able to succeed Thibaut Courtois, who was voted best goalkeeper of the tournament four years ago in Russia. The Belgian, the absolute star of last season’s Champions League with Real Madrid, will try to regain the individual title he won in 2018 by securing the Red Devils’ goal.
According to the main bookmakers, Courtois has a good chance of repeating the excellent Russian World Cup. He is one of the main favourites along with Brazil’s extreme defender, former Roma player Alisson. The Seleçao appears to be much more solid than in the past and one of the main strengths is the goalkeeper now with Liverpool.
Qatar 2022, the Belgian and Alisson vie for the prize
Courtois
Behind them we find Unai Simon of Spain, Emiliano Martinez of Argentina, Lloris of France and the everlasting Neuer of Germany. Four goalkeepers who will certainly not disfigure themselves in Qatar and who have somewhat organised defensive departments ahead of them. Among the possible outsiders could be Portugal’s Rui Patricio. José Mourinho’s Roma number one usually excels with the Portuguese selection: betting on him is not a gamble. One step below is Pickford of England. Everton’s goalkeeper continues to be the first choice for coach Southgate, but he pays the price for not being able to count on an airtight defence on a par with the other big names. He is unlikely to win the best goalkeeper award. Two intriguing options, paid over 50 times the stakes, are the keepers of the Inter and Juventus posts: Onana of Cameroon and Szczesny of Poland.