FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has hailed Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the best in the world as the two are set to meet again, this time at international level.
Olmo’s Spain are looking to continue keep racking up clean sheets while trying to put goals past Courtois in the Belgian goal, as the two European countries clash in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
“We are thinking solely and exclusively about that match … and we have to beat a great team,” Olmo said.
“Belgium is a complete,
tough squad, and it has the best goalkeeper in the world. They staged a comeback in the previous round, which shows they have game-changing players,” he added, referencing the Red Devils’ dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal after trailing 0-2. In addition, Belgium made light work of the USA despite playing in hostile territory in the round of 16, winning 4-1 with relative ease.
Spain, for their part, beat Portugal 1-0 after having beaten Austria 3-0. Spain still have yet to concede in any match this tournament.
“We all attack and we all defend. It starts with the number nine, and the rest follow suit. It’s a team effort, including the defensive line,” he said.
To win against Belgium, Spain will likely have to call upon their weapons, including Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, and young superstar Lamine Yamal.
Yamal was injured at the end of the club season and made it to the World Cup just in time. He scored one goal in his first start, but has yet to find his usual electric form.
“I see him doing well, growing in confidence, building momentum, and eager to keep playing and proving himself. The connection is evident on the pitch, both with and without the ball. He is contributing a great deal and will give us even more,” he said.
