Xabi “relieves” Courtois

For years, Thibaut Courtois was Real Madrid’s overworked wall, the goalkeeper who seemed to face a barrage of shots every single week. Time and time again, his heroics rescued Los Blancos from defensive lapses, cementing his reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. But under Xabi Alonso’s new reign, the Belgian’s role is beginning to transform. Courtois is no longer Madrid’s most pressured figure — he is now thriving in a calmer, more controlled environment.

The numbers tell the story of this shift. In the opening three matches of the 2025/26 LaLiga campaign, Courtois has only had to make five saves — the second-lowest tally of any goalkeeper in the league so far. Even more impressive is the fact that he has conceded just one goal while recording two clean sheets, boasting an 83% save success rate. These statistics represent not only Courtois’ quality but also a newfound defensive solidity that had often eluded Madrid in previous years.

Much of this change is rooted in Xabi Alonso’s tactical system. The inclusion of young defensive talents like Dean Huijsen, alongside Carreras and the high-profile arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, has given Madrid a backline that is not only stronger but also far more tactically disciplined. Combined with a relentless high pressing game, the system shields Courtois from constant danger, allowing him to operate with less stress between the posts.

But to say Courtois has been reduced to a mere spectator would be unfair. Xabi Alonso is pushing him into new territory, demanding that he function more like a modern sweeper-keeper. Courtois is asked to step higher up the pitch, constantly sweeping up behind the defensive line, and even venturing close to midfield at times to intercept danger. It is a role that requires constant concentration, athleticism, and adaptability — qualities that Courtois is demonstrating with characteristic professionalism.

Speaking about this tactical evolution, Courtois himself admitted: “The coach wants me to be very advanced, I run a lot, and sometimes I’m almost in midfield. It’s a new style, I have to stay focused the whole match.” His words capture both the challenge and excitement of embracing Alonso’s philosophy. For a goalkeeper who has spent much of his Madrid career pinned to his goal line, this new demand adds another layer to his already decorated career.

What makes this transition so fascinating is the contrast with previous seasons. Courtois had often been Madrid’s savior, single-handedly keeping them alive in crucial fixtures, including Champions League nights where his reflexes and presence underlined his status as one of the best in the world. Now, instead of being the lone shield, he has become part of a collective machine, one that functions with structure, cohesion, and modern tactical intent.

The high press is particularly important in Alonso’s system. By suffocating opponents further up the pitch, Madrid prevents sustained waves of attacks from ever reaching Courtois. The defenders, meanwhile, are encouraged to hold a higher line, with Courtois acting as insurance behind them. This trust in the goalkeeper’s intelligence and ability to read the game has created a seamless blend between the defensive and attacking phases.

For Courtois, this shift also brings longevity. At 33 years old, minimizing the physical and psychological toll of facing dozens of shots per game could extend his peak years at the club. Instead of being overworked and exposed, he can now conserve energy for decisive interventions, maintaining sharpness and command when called upon.

This evolution also reflects Real Madrid’s changing identity under Alonso. The team is no longer dependent on moments of individual brilliance to survive but is instead evolving into a unit where every player contributes to the greater system. Courtois’ repositioning epitomizes this philosophy — a world-class player adapting his role for the benefit of the collective.

Of course, questions remain about how this system will hold up against Europe’s elite. In the Champions League, where Madrid will inevitably face high-powered attacks, Courtois may once again be tested as the last line of defense. But with a renewed defensive structure and Alonso’s tactical clarity, he will no longer be alone in shouldering that responsibility.

For now, though, the Belgian goalkeeper appears rejuvenated. From being Madrid’s overworked savior to a vital cog in Xabi’s machine, Courtois is entering a new era — one where he is not just defending the goal, but redefining what it means to be Real Madrid’s number one.