Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas still has years at the top of the game, according to international teammate David de Gea.
The Manchester United shot stopper, formerly of Real’s city rivals Atletico de Madrid, told Cadena Cope that Casillas is still a world class keeper who has a lot to offer and shouldn’t lose his place in the side any time soon.
The 33-year-old has come under increasing pressure at international level following a poor World Cup. Spain were knocked out in the first round, and Casillas conceded five goals against Holland in the opening fixture and followed that up by conceded another two as La Roja lost to Chile.
National boss Vicente del Bosque has overhauled his squad since that tournament, and de Gea was named from the start in the friendly defeat against France.
But the keeper says he expects Casillas to be in goal for years to come and it is up to the young Spanish players to push the more senior ones for their places in the side.
“I do not think a lot about replacing Iker. He is still young for a goalkeeper and can still have plenty of years at the top level in football,” he stated.
And he continued: “It’s getting a little weird the way the team’s changed. Those players have carried Spain for many years and have been key to this team, but the young people pushing hard will do just as well.”
