Once touted as a giant between the posts, nowadays Iker Casillas spends time reading to high end criticism in the papers.
Once touted as a giant between the posts, nowadays Iker Casillas spends time reading to high end criticism in the papers. Pressure is mounting on the Spanish and Real Madrid who saw yet another blunder go by when his error helped Slovakia claim a shock 2-1 win in Euro 2016 qualifying on Thursday.
Holders Spain had been looking to continue a renovation process after their failure at the World Cup finals in Brazil, where Casillas was below par. With a number of howlers rising alarmingly match after match, it’s time Iker took a break from the game.
Even though many fans back home in Spain are calling for Iker Casillas’ head, head coach Vincent Del Bosque still backs the beleaguered stopper. “Casillas had saved a good chance from Slovakia in the previous move,” he said. “I could not see clearly from the bench, but the ball seemed to move strangely in the air and Iker was deceived,” said the coach in a press conference after the Slovakia game.
But with many talented goalies waiting in the wings, here’s what Del Bosque could have on his plate instead of the ‘dismal’ Iker Casillas.
David de Gea
After a scintillating performance against Everton last Sunday, Manchester United stopper David de Gea needs a break at the top. The Spanish star made look USA star at the World Cup 2014, Tim Howard a second rated player. In a poll held by the famous Spanish newspaper Marca saw 86 per cent of fans vote for De Gea to be given a chance over Casillas.
Pepe Reina
Even though Reina is second in the list of stoppers amongst the Spanish squad, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper does deserve a chance in the starting eleven. The former Liverpool goalie might not have the same stature and class as Iker Casillas but Reina can be counted upon at during crunch games. Pepe Reina is a very handy keeper during corners and set-pieces and Del Bosque needs to have a look at the bench strength.
Kiko Casilla
Spain is not short on talented goalies and amongst those is Kiko Casilla. The Espanyol stopper might not come across a big personality as compared to his Barcelona and Real Madrid contingent but the 28-year old is talented enough to earn a Spanish cap for his country. Espanyol might not boast stars in the La Liga but Kiko can surely change the image in the coming years.
Adrian
The former Real Betis goalie who swapped for the riches of the English Premier League, Adrian is one of the names that Del Bosque can have a look at. The West Ham stopper started life in the EPL with a scratch but with time, Adrian has improved in the posts for Sam Allardyce’s team.
Andres Fernandez
After spells with Osasuna and Huesca (lower division), Andres Fernandez has moved on to Portuguese league giants, FC Porto. Andres played 115 games for the Spanish league side but has found a new lease of life in Portugal. Hardly any Spanish goalie travels across the borders to join a foreign league (exception – David de Gea) but Andres’ good performance for Porto can have earn him an international call-up.
