The Belgian National team perhaps posses one of the most talented group of players in Europe. The Red Devils have a fierce competition for places in almost every area of the pitch and are seen as dark horses to go all the way in the upcoming World Cup.
Interestingly enough, Belgium also posses two of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers at their disposal, in the form of Atletico Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet.
Although, Courtois has been manager Marc Wilmots’ first choice keeper during Belgium’s successful qualification campaign, Mignolet’s chances dislodging his younger counterpart as the number one between the sticks for the Red Devils for the World Cup cannot be ruled out, as the 25-year old is enjoying a fine season with Liverpool.
Wilmots will certainly have a big decision to make in time for the World Cup and such a fierce competition for places can only be good for the team.
However, it seems like the supposedly healthy competition between Courtois and Mignolet is turning into a bitter rivalry in the past few weeks.
Mignolet had recently expressed his ambition of winning a place in the National Team from Courtois, but his comments were not taken too kindly by the 21-year old and the young man accused the Liverpool custodian of being disrespectful towards him.
Mignolet chose not to reply Courtois’ accusations, but rather than letting the situation die out, the Chelsea loanee has taken another dig at the 25-year old keeper.
Courtois said that although Mignolet is well within his rights to harbor personal ambitions, he believes the Liverpool man should show a bit more respect towards him as well as the manager for his decisions and keep his mouth shut.
Speaking to reporters Courtois said, “It shows that you do not accept the choice of the coach, and at the same time you show no respect for the current number one. But I do not want my statements to appear like last time. Then it sounded like I said Mignolet may show no ambition. That’s not true.
“I understand that he has the ambition to become the number one in the Belgian goal, only you should also show respect for those who play.”
Both Courtois and Mignolet have won 14 caps each for the Belgium National Team, but Mignolet has not played for the Red Devils in a competitive game for a over a year.
Who do you think should be Belgium’s Number one choice for the upcoming World Cup – Courtois or Mignolet? And is Courtois right in slamming Mignolet for his ambitions of being number one?
