The level at Real Madrid is higher than at Chelsea’, Courtois aims jibe at former club

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has aimed another jibe at his former club Chelsea by claiming the standard is far higher at the Bernabeu.

Courtois departed Chelsea last month on negative terms, having fired a double-barrelled parting shot by kissing the Madrid badge upon his unveiling and speaking about his wish for Eden Hazard to join him in the Spanish capital.

The Belgium international has done little to sew up the patches since and has again twisted the knife into his former club this week by suggesting he is at a much better team now.

‘In training, you see that the level at Real Madrid is high,’ said Courtois. ‘I am now experiencing on a daily basis that [Sergio] Ramos is the best centre-back in the world. The level at Real Madrid is higher than at Chelsea.’

However, the 26-year-old has not yet managed to fully dislodge Keylor Navas from the No 1 spot and has only made one appearance for Julen Lopetegui’s men since his summer move.

The Madrid boss has hailed the competition between the two keepers and has admitted he will give neither of them any assurances about game time and will alternate between the pair as he sees fit.

Chelsea, meanwhile have made the perfect start in Courtois’ absence, winning all four of their opening Premier League games under new boss Maurizio Sarri.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was signed in a record deal from Athletic Bilbao to replace the Belgian and has hit the ground running with two clean sheets already.