Iker Casillas omission is surprising, claims Victor Valdes

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to omit Iker Casillas from Real Madrid’s starting line-up against Real Betis was surprising, according to Victor Valdes.

The Barcelona keeper, who has played second fiddle to Casillas at international level for much of his career, said the Real Madrid captain was in good form for Spain during the Confederations Cup this summer in Brazil.

Casillas was controversially dropped by former manager Jose Mourinho midway through last season in favour of Diego Lopez, but was widely expected to take his place in the team again this season.

Speaking after the weekend action, Valdes said: “I was surprised that he didn’t start yesterday. In training with Spain he looked good to me and in the Confederations also.”

Valdes went on to say that no matter what happens in the Madrid dressing room, he considers Casillas to be the best goalkeeper in the world.

“I don’t tire of saying that he has made saves that I didn’t think were possible. For me he is the best,” he stated.