Cannavaro: Casillas Can Win The Golden Ball

Fabio Cannavaro can't pick a winner between Gigi Buffon and Iker Casillas, but he does believe that his Real Madrid teammate could one day win the Ballon d'Or.

Fabio Cannavaro believes that Iker Casillas could one day win the Golden Ball award for World Player of the Year.

Cannavaro, himself a former winner of the prize, told Marca, "[Casillas and Buffon] are two goalkeepers who make you calm when they're in our team."

"Buffon was second [for the Golden Ball] last season, and that shows what a goalie can achieve. They give your team a significant boost."

"If we continue like this, winning the Champions League, then surely Casillas can win the Golden Ball."

Cannavaro added that, while he didn't take part in his side's 2-1 loss at Mallorca, he was disappointed at the result, yet understanding of it.

"All matches in Spain are difficult, and it's normal for a team that plays 70 games to ease off a bit in a simpler competition."

"But we will still qualify in the return leg."

Moving on to discuss the alleged bonuses for beating Barcelona, Cannavaro opted not to discuss "internal issues at the club."

He would, however, talk about Barcelona's impending squad issues when Samuel Eto'o leaves for the African Cup of Nations.

"A club always likes to have its players available, but if you have a great squad then the absence of one isn't a problem," he concluded.