The Iker Casillas Appreciation Thread

CorkMan

I felt like I had to make a thread for a definitive consistent top 3 goalkeeper in the world, if not the best in many eyes. He has always been a terrific goalkeeper but was lacking dues up to when Spain won Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 IMO.

When Real Madrid were winning nothing during the mid 00's he was the best player in the squad, always showing up for both big games and small games. He is the best shotstopper in the world IMO, catlike reflexes. Here are some vids of him at his best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-Aj61Z8_I

eZe^

Amazing keeper, been one ever since that day he was called upon the CL final against Bayer. Model pro really, and his wife is ridiculously hot.

IvySlayer

Fantastic keeper. Buffon and Kahn are just a bit better imo. Best reflexes in the world though.

redzerdrog

eZe^ wrote: »

Amazing keeper, been one ever since that day he was called upon the CL final against Bayer. Model pro really, and his wife is ridiculously hot.

post reported

you cant say that and not post pics:pac:

cson

Lol-erpops that you post this thread 3 days after he got sent off in the 2nd minute against Espanyol

Top keeper though.

eZe^

redzerdrog wrote: »

post reported

you cant say that and not post pics:pac:

CorkMan

I hope he does a Zoff and plays on until 40. He is 29 now, having become a starter in the 1999/00 season. The thing is he'll have 234 caps for Spain at the current rate

Dolph Starbeam

CorkMan wrote: »

I hope he does a Zoff and plays on until 40. He is 29 now, having become a starter in the 1999/00 season. The thing is he'll have 234 caps for Spain at the current rate

It really is hard to believe he is still only 29, he has been around forever. I would realistically give him at least another 5 years as Spain number 1, on average about 10 caps a year added to his 117 already would work out at about 167 Caps :eek:

CR 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7-79YnZMIc

This save (at 50sec.). I was watching on a terrible stream and I assumed it was a goal, as there was no way anyone could get across fast enough to stop it.

He'll have to go down as one of the greatest keepers. It feels like he's been at the top for most of my life.

CorkMan

He was superb against Barca in the Copa Del Rey final. Knocking Pedro's chip over and stopping Iniesta's shot superbly. I hope he can keep it up for the next week over the 2 Barca matches.

GavRedKing

I really appreciate Iker.

For me, he just pips Buffon to the best 'keeper around taking into consideration Buffons injuries and time out compared to Casillas. He has been playing at such a consistent level for so long now its hard to think hes only 29. Brillant.

redout

2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons he was far from great - a lot of erratic displays - his shot stopping never waned but his judgement most certainly did - sure he was on the verge of being replaced in goal for the national side before the World cup. Best in the world? Not for me. Have always been a Buffon fan myself but when it comes to shot stopping Iker is definitely up there. Ollie Kahn was without doubt the best I have ever seen - he was so good it was frightening.

CorkMan

Another great stop against Sevilla tonight. It might be up on youtube later.

Casillas has 419 La Liga appearances now, highest in the league along with Sergio from Levante. (who used to play for Depor) It will be scary to see what records Iker will break if he stays around as long as Dino Zoff think. He turns 30 on the 20th of May this year, I assume he will be around for at least another 6-7 years.

Paully D

Hard to believe he was actually dropped in 2002 but won his place back after performing well as a substitute in a Champions League final.

If he's lucky with injuries he could play for another 8-10 years and will be first choice goalkeeper for club and country in that time too.

He'll set a most caps/appearances record that will be extremely difficult to beat in the future for both club and country.

It's crazy to think he's only 29, but is it just me (I don't watch as much Spanish football) or does his concentration seem to be getting worse by the season?

dreamers75

If he played for a team with a decent defence he would be the best keeper in the world.

For reference Real beat someone 5-0 last year and the other team had 17 shots on target, thats quite normal for Real.

Superb shotstopper but due to his busy-ness can be prone to the odd mistake.

upandcumming

Paully D wrote: »

does his concentration seem to be getting worse by the season?

I agree with this. Every year he seems to be losing his brilliance and more agitated, and not in a good way.