Thibaut Courtois says Real Madrid needed £14m striker vs Arsenal instead of Kylian Mbappe

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper, has spoken out following the club’s disappointing Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, claiming that the team missed the presence of Joselu, a natural striker, during the crucial encounter. Madrid’s hopes of advancing in the competition were dashed after a 2-1 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Arsenal progressing to the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 5-1.

Real Madrid’s Struggles in the Champions League

The quarter-final tie had already looked difficult for Madrid after they were beaten 3-0 in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Despite a raucous home crowd backing them, the team failed to mount a significant comeback, with their attacking play unable to breach the well-organized Arsenal defense.

In the second leg, despite dominating possession, Madrid were stifled by Arsenal’s tactical discipline. Bukayo Saka’s composed finish gave the visitors a crucial away goal, and though Vinicius Junior capitalized on a defensive error to level the score, Madrid’s hopes of a dramatic turnaround were ultimately thwarted when Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time to seal the win for Arsenal.

Courtois Criticizes Madrid’s Attack

Following the defeat, Courtois voiced his frustration with the team’s inability to convert opportunities. He pinpointed a key issue that he believes is holding back the team’s attacking potential: the lack of a traditional striker. In his post-match comments, Courtois stressed that Madrid are often too reliant on individual moments of brilliance, such as dribbles and solo goals, rather than cohesive team play.

“We can’t always expect the four up front to dribble past three players and score a great goal. As a team, we have to attack and defend better,” Courtois stated. “We are missing someone like Joselu, who can provide that strong presence in the box.”

Joselu, who had been one of Madrid’s standout performers last season with 18 goals to his name, was sold to Qatari side Al-Gharafa in the summer for €17 million (£14.4m). Courtois expressed that the absence of a physical presence like Joselu was keenly felt during the game against Arsenal, particularly when Madrid struggled to break down a defensively solid side.

The Role of Joselu in Madrid’s Attack

Joselu’s departure has left a noticeable gap in Madrid’s forward line. While players like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe can create moments of magic, they often find themselves isolated against opposing defenders who can easily double-team them. Courtois believes that Joselu’s aerial ability and physicality would have given Madrid a more direct and potent option in attack, especially when Arsenal were packing their defense.

“It’s difficult to find space against a team that defends well, presses well, and is well-organized,” Courtois continued. “We put in a lot of crosses, but this year we don’t have Joselu, a natural striker up front, to capitalize on those opportunities.”

Team’s Tactical Shortcomings

In the aftermath of the loss, Courtois also pointed out that Madrid need to reassess their tactical approach. While the team has been heavily reliant on quick counter-attacks and individual brilliance from their attacking stars, Courtois feels that Madrid must become more of a collective force in both attack and defense.

“We have to analyze carefully what we can do better. We have a lot of season ahead of us, we have the League on the line, the Cup in ten days, and then the Club World Cup. Thinking about a comeback was great, and I hope we can bring them some joy this season,” Courtois said.

The goalkeeper also noted that the team needs to be more pragmatic in their approach, focusing on more balanced, team-oriented plays rather than expecting moments of individual flair to decide matches.

Vazquez Criticizes Arsenal’s Defensive Tactics

Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Lucas Vazquez echoed Courtois’ sentiments and was also critical of Arsenal’s defensive tactics, accusing them of “coming to defend” at the Bernabeu. Vazquez believed that Arsenal’s approach, which focused on limiting Madrid’s attacking threat, made it difficult for Madrid to create the clear-cut chances they needed.

“It’s a difficult moment. We tried, but it was a tough game. We didn’t have all the chances we would have liked,” Vazquez admitted after the match. “Perhaps yes, we lacked clarity with the ball, patience at certain moments, and the ability to move the ball from side to side to penetrate a well-organized defense.”

While acknowledging the tough nature of the defeat, Vazquez emphasized that Madrid must remain united and focused on the upcoming challenges, including their La Liga title chase and their upcoming cup competitions. “There’s still a lot of season left to play. The team is united, it’s doing well, and it’s eager to achieve what’s left,” Vazquez added.

Looking Ahead: Madrid’s Road to Redemption

Despite the setback in the Champions League, Madrid are still in contention for other major honors this season. With the La Liga title up for grabs and the Copa del Rey and Club World Cup still to play for, the team’s focus must now shift to regaining their momentum in domestic competitions.

Ancelotti’s side will need to regroup quickly and work on the tactical aspects that have been exposed in recent weeks. Whether it’s finding a more effective way to break down disciplined defenses or improving their overall team chemistry, Madrid have work to do if they are to salvage what’s left of their season.

The Mbappe Factor

While Courtois and Vazquez focused on the team’s immediate issues, another topic of conversation among fans and pundits alike is the ongoing speculation surrounding Kylian Mbappe. Despite his dazzling talent, the French forward has yet to provide the consistent, game-changing performances that Madrid have come to expect from their marquee signings.

Mbappe’s presence in the team was supposed to be the missing piece in Madrid’s attacking puzzle, but his performances in high-stakes matches like the one against Arsenal have raised questions about whether he is the solution to the team’s problems or merely a luxury signing.

The Need for a Balanced Squad

The core message from Courtois, Vazquez, and other members of the squad is clear: Madrid must become a more balanced unit. Relying on individual brilliance, no matter how talented, is simply not enough at the highest level. For Madrid to bounce back and secure silverware this season, they must focus on playing as a cohesive team, with every player contributing both defensively and offensively.

Moving Forward

With crucial fixtures ahead in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Madrid must quickly put their Champions League disappointment behind them and focus on their remaining goals. The players and coaching staff alike will need to learn from their mistakes and come together to finish the season strong.

It remains to be seen if the club will look to make further signings in the summer transfer window, particularly in the striker department, to address the lack of a traditional forward like Joselu. Only time will tell if these changes can help propel Real Madrid to glory once again.