Is HEALTHY Courtois better than Lunin at Real Madrid? 🤔 | ESPN FC Extra Time

Mario Melchiot, Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop join Dan Thomas on ESPN FC Extra Time to answer fans' questions and discuss:
0:00 Shaka's Florida trip
1:35 Thoughts on Tuchel at Liverpool
2:16 Best goalkeeper of the season so far
2:36 Ranking various situations around each league
4:23 Best replacement for Salah
5:55 Healthy Courtois over Lunin?
8:08 The crew's favorite managers
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[@Constructivecritic670]

Lunin is not a bad keeper at all. There are bad moments in games and i don't think the ones he's had are entirely his fault. The goals against barca for example was a result of an overworked set of players. Remember he had 10 clean sheets in the last 19 games and we still have the best defense in La Liga. Coutois is a different beast of course but...

[@muhammadbaxxa165]

But what?

[@teribunde8352]

When a keeper goes for a ball, then he better catches it. This was entirely Lunin's fault. But this doesn't diminish anything from the fantastic season he has had given that this has been his first season at the top. He has had fewer errors than Courtois's first season with us even though he had arrived as a world class keeper. Lunin has exceeded every single expectation from him by miles

[@mar.c1]

Courtois is a different level. But that doesnt take away from Lunin. He's fantastic

[@ilzafadilatulhaq1780]

chill, theres still a gap between courtouis and lunin... lunin still has some bad decisions when he go out for the ball, recently. lunin still not at peak yet.

[@zeeusman3698]

​@@teribunde8352courtoius is not immune to mistake, he literally passed the ball the Salah in last seasons champions league. Lunin is literally one of the reasons we are at this position now, he saved us in the champions league and has won points for us in the league several times

[@enod9746]

No sense of history, these ESPN guys. The 2nd choice keepers at Real Madrid have always stepped up when the chips were down. Cesar Sanchez, Diego Lopez, Keylor Navas, etc were all 2nd choice keepers who stepped up to the plate and delivered when the first choice keepers were injured.

[@g00se72]

even Casillas was one

[@el_jakobe5261]

The disrespect to Courtois. How easy yall forget. Best GK last year and top 5 last 5

[@ammaraboamra]

I don't see it that way If he hasn't played a single minute 3 days before that second leg in la liga then he wasn't ready just 3 days ago . Way too risky to start regrdless of quality after a season long injury

[@Rigo9]

So you would play him coming back from a huge injury ? Or on form Lunin ?

[@Prasko131]

You are clueless with 0 ball knowledge. Last year Courtois didn't win anything and was trash while his rival Ter Stegen won the league setting records and won La Liga player of the year.

[@AM2K2]

y'all

[@Chip_Fuse]

We don't know what Courtois will be like when he returns from separate ACL injuries in both legs, so... I'll take Lunin at the moment.

[@treyjohnson8557]

At the moment? Courtois isn’t coming back this season. He’s obviously better than lunin but lunin is probably going to be successor in next few years.

[@Chip_Fuse]

@@treyjohnson8557 I know that.

[@Prasko131]

He will be trash just like last season

[@karlvilla9643]

Lunin is a world class goalkeeper he just need more time and minutes

[@23293]

he is not!

[@mar.c1]

He's very good but we are talking about Thibaut Courtois here

[@cheya111]

With Courtois, Madrid can play terrible and not concede a goal for 120 minutes. Courtois is a wall. Lunin is good but not at Courtois' level at his best.

[@Prasko131]

With Courtois vardrid lsot 4-0 💀

[@marvin_meza]

@@Prasko131 Rüdiger was out though. They played Camavinga, Alaba, Militão, and Carvajal in the back. With Rüdiger I’d be hesitant to say they would’ve scored that many times.

[@Noirlore]

150m for Salah would be absolutely money laundering. He’s 70m MAX rn

[@filipcar96]

You don't understand, he is the biggest muslim sports hero behind khabib, they will pay what ever liverpool wants just to have him in saudi

[@alfredfouquet]

They should go for Musiala from Bayern M. with that money. He is not a striker, but as R.M. is showing, when you have very good players in front you get victories even though you don´t have a killer.

[@Ajaybalaji_]

He is 50 m max considering age and all other stuff

[@valchris89]

I would go as far to say that he's worth a max 25mil. He's already in his 30s and probably has like 2 seasons reaminging in him.

[@dead_r33d]

@@Ajaybalaji_ 50 max is ridiculous

[@marcosibiza]

Iker Casillas is the GOAT

[@AbrahamBello-qs3mj]

Courtois will always be the better Goalkeeper, but Lunin is Elite too. Lunin must be allowed to stay in goal for the remainder of the season & solution be found for both in the summer.

[@fall4sleepfall4sleep26]

tuchel coached every club klopp coached in the past. he was his direct successor at mainz and dortmund.

[@rh81454]

Lol that’s weird but cool. Tuchel is a great coach but on a bad run.

[@JohnUSA7]

Even if Courtois becomes healthy and available by June 1st, which hopefully Real Madrid will reach the CL final at Wembley, I will still pick Lunin over Courtois. I will not start Courtois until the beginning of the next season, or during the summer exhibition matches in the US.....never before.

[@CKalpha]

Lunin has time, he still improving to be top GK like courtois.

[@ParaFahrenhet]

I think before this last week, I would have said Ter Stegen, everytime I've watched a Barca game (before this last week) he's made amazing saves and single handedly won them games

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

You got the wrong side of the history.

[@joergr82]

Who else but Manuel Neuer?? The GOAT!

[@mickzed6393]

The way he conducted Bayern against Arsenal. Wow! Nearly an extra player. But was injured this season.

[@jasonburrell4903]

Tf

[@wemadeitpodcast]

The fact that Stevie Nichols is a TV pundit is just a shame

[@omar1337x]

lunin has earned himself a starter for la liga next season and curtuois for the champions league

[@galactico7194]

Lol, not happening. Lunin will probably play in Copa/ Supercups, but with Carlo, I don’t see that happening too.

[@mangloreanwithabeard]

Despite how good Courtios is ....lunin proved he deserves to be trusted when it comes to big games and he has proved it ...c

[@treyjohnson8557]

Wow you’re delusional. Courtois is the best keeper in the world. Lunin has been good not great.

[@mangloreanwithabeard]

@@treyjohnson8557 true ... But how can he Become Great if he won't get enough play time.... Next season we will resume back to Courtios...

[@lukenuttall5794]

I love mario man

[@beardedentity]

You got to remind yourself when you are talking about Lunin. Dude is just 25 years old. He has not even reached his peak yet.

[@robalexander2016]

I’m a Barcelona fan. I’d say just keep the Lunin in there. Tough games make great goalies. If not then he’ll go back to square one and all that for nothing. You want 2 great goalies instead of 1.

[@ahmedbinrobiaa5043]

No doubt

[@eL--RaL]

Neuer is The GOAT and still the best keeper in the world

[@Dirbando-wwo3xh]

Ter Stegen>>>>>

[@nena_._]

the man is pushing 40 and he ain’t no Buffon.

[@zorashki]

He is washed sorry, he was the GOAT but face the reality please.. Even Lunin currently is playing 2x better.

[@jasonburrell4903]

No he's not kiddo have U even watched a single full match of him in recent years ??

[@Ajaybalaji_]

​@@Dirbando-wwo3xh ter statue

[@asifali-hx2dy]

There shoukd be a episode on var refee errors in these season of football I thing it would be 4 to 5 hours long

[@KompleksiKalaja]

Yes. Here saved you 11 minutes

[@palatialslumlord4938]

Yann Sommer is still the best keeper in the world, greatly did his part in winning Inter their 2nd star.

[@araguaney911]

And he plays for what's Team?? ... I Rest my Case.😂😂😂😂

[@lynxdellaschiava6324]

@@araguaney911 we just won the league. And lost against Sassulolo and Atletico Madrid all season. What else can Inter defensively do to be better than this?

[@araguaney911]

@@lynxdellaschiava6324 make they goals That they should have against a really vulnerable atlético ay MILAN

[@treyjohnson8557]

Lol you’re delusional.

[@kaastue]

He's good on saves, but he's play on foot isn't top tier. Not bad, just not one of the best.

[@psumwahn6281]

Love ya Shak!! 😂😂

[@abody499]

Nicol talking about Salah transfer fee: £150m Nicol talking about Rodrygo Goes fee: £60m 😂😂😂

[@ronnymadridcr7]

His kicking is underrated

[@TheKaradras]

i think Lunin can become an excellent keeper but he has A LOT to do in terms of his work on opposing set-pieces ... literally every corner or free kick for Barca were becoming dangerous because of his decisions

[@sudiptagolui8794]

Manual neuar

[@hagen136]

Correct decision, Shaka

[@VARMOT123]

Stevie Nicol at 6:06 😂😂😂

[@gio_ci]

I'm a Madrid fan and a Lunin fan but I still think Neuer is a better overall GK. Experience matters so much, Lunin's going to be great but Neuer already is great

[@sterlinghutton7178]

Lunin hands are faster than the name eye with that disallowed goal. keep him Lol

[@JaculaDudek]

Yann Sommer is most effective right now . Inter just won scudetto, most clean sheets. Maybe champions league could've went better

[@njabulombuyazi5132]

Ter Stegan has been good

[@tutoreemimo1]

Can’t compare. Courtis handled an entire UCL. Lunin has Rudiger handling so much for him. That said, Lunin is definitely a quality goal keeper

[@basantapant198]

Laliga should have goal line technology. A billion dollar league don't even has simple technology LOL

[@alfellati]

Don’t disrespect Courtois, he still stands the #1. And Lunin shocked the world with his talent.

[@padawdaceesay4869]

Respect Lunin

[@jeteye97]

To answer the headline question, yes. Courtois > Lunin.

[@suwaebuceesay9954]

Why are u debating this..

[@massacre1013]

A never injured Never is the best

[@cassiusijeomah4239]

Remains Cortouis As Number 1 And Lunin Number 2 As Far As Real Madrid Is Concerned

[@winebuyah]

why the Leverkusen keeper gets no love?!?

[@hilaljaleel3042]

Sommer or lunin

[@victormyeni3410]

Nothing on Inter winning the league last night. Right

[@abrahamadewole8615]

The difference between the real ESPN and ESPN FC analysis of their various sports is truly night and day... ESPN fc pundits are really mid 😮

[@naturalmulundu8611]

Lunin is solid but panics on corners and set pieces .... A thing courtois thrives in ...

[@khshkhshkhsh]

Proper training can fix that

[@benehs8103]

Honestly I didn’t think players are allowed to support of opposing players on headers…but really like Lunin had to deal with 20 corners for City & somehow they scored one that isn’t from a corner but a rebound

[@roykofarm2226]

Best goalkeepers are all injured this season.

[@peacefulliberal5641]

Bayer Leverkusen best club in Europe and Manuel Neuer is the GOAT!!

[@benban8055]

If Bayern Leverkusen plays against Real Madrid or Manchester City, Leverkusen will be taught a thing or two about being at the top.

[@SultanRehman]

Southgate for Liverpool

[@brizzNcheese]

Lunin is the best goalie this season. Everyone is aware of this. Let’s not be silly.

[@ItsAuddo]

I would say yes just for our corners, Lunin has been sloppy

[@ligerbeats6824]

Is This a fan channel or a big Media Company like what kind of Question is that surely??

[@AnthonyGarcia-sy3yk]

😂😂 that is really a question?? Did anybody see Barcelona's first goal ?? Against man city my heart jump every time they kick the corner on the small area The dude is ok , but far from courtoi level ...

[@A_Petit_TV]

No need to change… its Lunins Year… Courtois can wait for next season. No player is bigger than the club

[@user-js6dr3cp4t]

Courtois champion n1

[@Photosoflife]

Anyone else find it ironic how these pundits stopped talking about Raya? And have never once mentioned he’s the Golden Glove leader and Arsenal’s goals per game has dropped from 1.13 last season to 0.79 this season? It turns out having a goalie that can actually claim crosses, control his box, and actually play at a very high level with his feet is very important to controlling matches starting from the back. Craig, Stevie, and Shaka got exposed for still believing shot stopping is still the biggest attribute for a goalie by a mile when the game has evolved and passed them by. Goalies have to do much more than just stop shots these days.

[@Bert-lw1ot]

Who is the best central defensive partnership in the league?

[@JR-sj1jz]

A big reason why Man Utd got knocked out of the champions league was due to their keeper failing to stop shots that any decent keeper would be expected to stop. Liverpool lost the chance to make a comeback in a champions league final because their keeper failed to save a shot that he should have been expected to stop. Yes, the role of a keeper has evolved. But with all the evolution, the ability to stop shots will always be a critical skill.

[@Photosoflife]

@JR-sj1jz You’re very clearly not understanding my original post. Raya is a very good shot stopper himself. Even if he is only slightly worse or slightly better at stopping shots than Ramsdale, the rest of his game is clearly better than Ramsdale. And that’s what these pundits failed to understand. Every metric of Raya’s, including save percentage, was better than Ramsdale’s last season when he was at Brentford. These pundits failed to do basic due diligence and did not realize Raya is the better overall goalie. That’s why Brad Friedel should be on this show instead of Shaka. Because he actually runs a company that evaluates and ranks goalies worldwide as a consultant for helping clubs find goalkeepers that fit their systems. These guys are stuck going off of “gut instinct” punditry that is lazy and not informed. This was a very clear example of it.

[@Photosoflife]

@Bert-lw1ot Gabriel and Saliba were both there last year as well. Too many Ramsdale loyalist fans failed to look at very basic underlying metrics that showed Raya was a better goalkeeper last year at Brentford than Ramsdale was at Arsenal in every category, including save percentage and stopping expected goals. That’s the reality but too many Arsenal fans and pundits like these guys let their feelings get in the way of facts.

[@Bert-lw1ot]

@@Photosoflife but the question is, who is the best GK in the world? Not, is Raya better than Ramsdale? Which is what you seem to have answered!

[@CaraVerde]

Lunin's good and may have a better future ahead. But Thibaut is one of the greatest already. In the last Clasico, 2 Barca's goals exposed that.

[@PraveenLawrance]

Not exactly. A tired team. He was awesome against Manchester City facing a million corners. But when Coutois is fully match fit, it's him ahead of Lunin. I'm a big fan of Lunin. He has been so good this season, apart from very few errors. But personal preferences aside, the team comes first.

[@CaraVerde]

@@PraveenLawrance Nah, those 2 goals, goalkeeper's mistakes played the most part. If you couldn't reach the cross, then don't go out (goal 1). If you decide to parry, parry the ball sideways, not to the center full of players (goal 2).

[@PraveenLawrance]

@@CaraVerde that's your opinion. I didn't say he wasn't faultless. I said the entire team was tired. Again, I'd look into more evidence where he kept the goal exceptionally well, to give an overall verdict. And again, I'm a big fan of Lunin. But when Coutois is fully match fit, it's him ahead of Lunin. Team ahead of our personal preferences. I'd love to see Lunin play more and improve. But when Coutois is back fully fit, he'll be gradually back in the first 11.

[@CaraVerde]

@@PraveenLawrance Of course it's my opinion. It's my post you're replying on from the start 😁. Healthy Courtois > Lunin... anyday, no contest.

[@PraveenLawrance]

@@CaraVerde that's what I said as well. Lunin needs to play more and do more consistently to be in the same conversation as Coutois and Casillas. I hope he does.

[@Joswag]

Kebel Raya Lunin or Ter Stegen for me

[@chukutribenzemalimitless6285]

So now ESPN has move from the man city stuff to Madrid thing...

[@Whizkidsoo]

Mario thinking out loud man United win the FA cup… 😂😂

[@mpfparvez1621]

Emi ❤ is the best of all

[@parkerdollar]

Too much disrecpect for Utd, don't worry we shall be back to our rightful place.

[@ronnyperez8474]

They both good but courtious is nr 1 don’t disrespect my guy

[@rainerzufall6245]

A healthy Neuer is still the best goalkeeper.

[@nena_._]

the man is pushing 40 and he ain’t no Buffon.

[@hilltopboyz3002]

Nah tibo walk him everyday rn. His time is at the end peak Neuer is goat but it's another gen.

[@rh81454]

He’s good but no longer great. Ter Stegen should have been the first choice for the past two world cups.

[@Allan_Garcia]

Arguable based on Neuer never performing like Courtois in a Champions League Final. I’ll take Courtois all day in a final.

[@user-mi4no1gc7d]

His time is over

[@Hrishiqx]

United winning the FA cup is the most likely cause it's a one off game & anything can happen & the least likey is mbappe spurning madrid again !!

[@MrKaravaj]

No one. Disaster defense and this ucl quarterfinals had most conceded goals

[@spidey4588]

Disaster defense?? Are you mentally retarded?

[@firehomefireq8]

Sell the old Belgium, keep the young Russian Lunin.

[@luca99191]

£150m😂😂😂😂😂

[@dyronfranco9781]

Dumb question, let Courtois prove himself again. If he cannot prove better after the injury then time to sell

[@tsimoi273]

Totally agree with Manuel Neuer being the best gk.

[@walkingalive189]

This season not

[@Tebohomotitimi]

A healthy Courtoius would be terrible for Real Madrid, who needs the best goal keeper in the world anyway right? According to ESPN.

[@kamaaladiin]

Healthy does not mean on top level, Lunin should play until he messes up

[@Prasko131]

Least delusional vardridog with 0 ball knowledge be like:

[@davidt3956]

Salah's a good Muslim, making his wife wear a hijab, so SA would love to have him.

[@chadliberty8975]

Ter Stegen, the poor man's version of Neuer is better than Courtois or Lunin 😂

[@athos5761]

Courtois win the golden glove 😉 he beat them all

[@hilltopboyz3002]

Stop the cap Courtois has been the best keeper in the world since 2021.

[@hattrick257]

Oblak is better than Ter Stegen, Courtouis is better than all of them.

[@torywilliams5345]

emi martínez 😂😂😂 ok so u don’t watch football 😂😭🤦🏾‍♂️

[@moej5386]

Dan clearly doesn’t know any footy man said Lunin has been rubbish when he’s easily been the best goalkeeper in La Liga. Dan is a 🤡 of all clowns