Ex-Real Madrid Legend Paco Buyo: Casillas Best ‘Keeper In The World
One of Los Blancos’ past goalkeeping great, Buyo, has praised the team’s current number one, San Iker.
This weekend, Iker Casillas will equal the record for most appearances by a goalkeeper at Real Madrid, equalling the tally of 454 games set by Paco Buyo.
The two shot-stoppers were present together in Radio Marca program, ‘Intermedio’ to have a chat and share their opinions of each other.
“Right now, Iker is the best goalkeeper in the world,” Buyo proudly proclaimed.
“He is a very complete goalkeeper. Aside from his humility, he has a lot of confidence in his abilities, he’s able to visualise the game and he’s a great professional.
“He demonstrated this during Euro 2008 when he became one of the key figures to help Spain win the title. In addition, [Gianluigi] Buffon, the only other goalie who can challenge Iker, is not at his best at the moment.
“To be a great ‘keeper, you must be psychologically and physically strong and have great technique. Because of that, I believe Iker is number one,” he reiterated.
Buyo joined Madrid from Sevilla in 1986 and played until 1997, when he was 39, picking up six league titles and two Zamora trophies. Casillas, when asked if he would play until that age, responded: “I do not believe I can play until then.”
“Once I start to feel that I am not well physically, I will stop and open the door to others. There are lads underneath me and it is necessary to give them an opportunity too.”
San Iker, who signed a life contract with Los Blancos almost exactly a year ago, continued to pledge his allegiance to the club.
“Real Madrid is my home. I’ve been here since I was nine years old and I have never played for any other team."
“If I do leave one day, it will be because another player has taken over from me and I am no longer needed. And when that day comes, you will see a few tears from me,” he declared.
Finally, Casillas gave his thoughts on Madrid’s title chances this campaign.
“Right now, the only thing we can do is to make sure we do not stumble and hope to see what happens to Barcelona."
“We are doing well at the moment, but if there are days when Barca are losing with half an hour to go and Messi enters the game and scores two goals… there’s not much we can do,” he explained.
Casillas will make his 454 club appearance this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu against Racing Santander.