Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper Victor Valdes has said Iker Casillas is in great form despite his lack of playing time in the second half of last season.
Speaking ahead of the start of the Confederations Cup this weekend, Valdes said in a news conference that having a fit and motivating Casillas in the Spain squad was a huge benefit to their ambitions of winning the trophy.
Real Madrid’s captain was dropped by former boss Jose Mourinho in January, with the Portuguese preferring to select Diego Lopez instead.
In a final show of the breakdown in communication between the two, Mourinho left Casillas out of the squad altogether on the final day of the season – even when Lopez was injured.
“Casillas is doing well, he’s the same as always, on top form and raring to go,” said Valdes.
He added: “He’s very motivated on and off the pitch. It’s important we have a healthy competition because that will benefit the team.”
