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Iker Casillas is a player who has acquired an immortal status at the Bernabeu and will always remain Real Madrids greatest ever goalkeeper. A player who has been aMadridistahis entire career, he has done it all at the big stage. Breaking into the first team at the age of 18, his role has never decreased since then.Ever since his arrival onto the big stage, Casillas has been performing at an elite level and producing brilliant performances. While many players have moved in and out of the Bernabeu, Casillas has remained the constant. Casillas mere presence and leadership qualities stake his claim to be one of the best players in the world.However, the last two years have been a shaky ride for Casillas as the clubs decision to buy Lopez has come hard on Casillas playing time and it looks like not long before Casillas bids adieu once and for all to Real Madrid. And it wouldnt hurt to say that is a moment every Madridista is dreading.However, should the moment present itself, Real Madrid should be in the search for a replacement and that is an arduous task in itself. Lets take a look at the potential successors to Saint Iker at the Bernabeu.
#5 Bernd Leno
Bayer Leverkusens Bernd Leno is a world-class shot stopper and at 21 years, he has the potential to make it big. His time at the Bundesliga has often drawn comparisons between him and Marc Andre Ter Stegen. However, many a times he has outplayed Ter Stegen and has shown that he is in the reckoning for the No.2 spot behind Manuel Neuer.
Being at Bayer Leverkusen makes it such that he gets Champions League football. But then, the quality of his team restricts their progress to not beyond the round of 16. A move to the Bernabeu could serve him well as he could possibly replace Casillas and earn a chance to prove himself at the Worlds biggest club.
With Manuel Neuer at the forefront of the German team and Ter Stegen very able competetion, it isnt going to be easy for Leno to break into the first team. But, he is potentially a great replacement for Iker Casillas.
Should Fiorentino Perez want a player at a reasonable price and with the potential to grow, it would make sense to knock on Lenos door.
#4 Wojciech Szczesny
The Pole arrived at Arsenal as a 19-year old goalkeeper for the future. Barely a year later, he was a mainstay in the team, restricting Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski to sporadic appearances. Such was Wengers belief in him and we should say that he has proven Wenger to be right.
His youth days as a ballroom dancer and a javelin thrower make him one of the most agile goalkeepers. He is very vocal, and commands his penalty area very well. His pace and reactions to dangerous situations are reminiscent of a younger Casillas.
While his only touted weakness would be his inability to keep his head and to act thoughtfully under pressure, he has done his best to overcome that this season and has made great progress. Although Szczesny has expressed his desire to remain a Gunner for the rest of his career, a big money move would never be off the cards because of the talent that he is.
#3 Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The 20-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper is one of the most highly-rated keepers in the Bundesliga. He is another one of the players who might not be considered due to the team and the timing of his career. Staying at his current team makes sure he doesnt get to play in Europe and the timing of his career is such that ahead of him in the German National team is a certain Manuel Neuer.
While he shall remain second fiddle to Neuer in the current set-up, a move to a bigger team could see him establish himself as one of the best. Real Madrid could greatly help him on his journey to the top. To displace Neuer from the German team in the near future is a herculean task and staying at Borussia Monchengladbach isn't going to help.
His physically imposing stature and agility marks him out from the usual batch of goalkeepers and a potential move to Real Madrid could serve well for both parties. While Real Madrid will have an able successor for Casillas, Ter Stegen could express himself on the big stage and stake his claim against Manuel Neuer.
#2 Thibaut Courtois
A product of the Belgian Golden Generation, Thibaut Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently. On loan at Atletico from Chelsea, Courtois has been impeccable for the past two seasons.
Without a doubt, he is the best goalkeeper in the La Liga currently and even won the best goalkeeper award last year. Physically imposing and very agile, his rise to prominence has been very swift. The presence of Petr Cech at Chelsea has been a stumbling block as he has not been able to make it to the Chelsea first-team.
While Casillas leaving would create a big hole in the side, Courtois could possibly fill that hole. Taking his last two years into consideration, it wouldnt be wrong to say he can definitely cut it at the Bernabeu. Surely, a player of such distinction would fit into Real Madrid seamlessly.
#1 David de Gea
The 23 year old Spaniard is an excellent goalkeeper whose shot-stopping abilities are second to none. Having been a mainstay for his respective teams ever since 2009, he is the most eligible candidate to replace Casillas at the Bernabeu.
Having replaced Sergio Asenjo in 2009 at the Vincente Calderon, he was bought by Manchester United wasted no time in buying him for 17.8 million. An astounding fee for such a young goalkeeper was believed to be a mistake as he was quite off-colour in his initial games. However, if his recent performances are any indication, then not many would argue about his capabilities.
Some of his most amazing performances came against Real Madrid and Chelsea, at the biggest stage, and he has been a consistent player this season while the others have let the team down.With a little more experience under his belt, he surely can replace Casillas at Real should they pursue him.
