Who will be the next Iker Casillas?

A fan of the Spanish football team since 2007 (though I must admit, I liked them just because of Raul and Torres in the initial stages), Iker Casillas has been in my opinion the best player for the La Roja, letting in only 77 goals in all tournaments and friendlies in a career spanning more than 12 years. Though he may go on to play for the national side for a few more years, his retirement is inevitable. However, although the Spanish side may look incomplete without him, here is a glance at a few players who can take over the evergreen goalkeeper:

1. Victor Valdes: The 30 year-old ‘keeper from Barcelona is a strong suspect for the job when Casillas leaves. But is he fresh will be the biggest doubt in many fans’ minds. Just a year younger than Casillas, he has been chosen as the third goalkeeper for the side behind Casillas and Pepe Reina. Arguably less talented than Casillas, he has luck on his side with a good team at the club level in the form of Barcelona. He has won a total of 19 titles since joining the first team in 2002, five more than Casillas. Yes, the guy has talent, but also has a knack of letting in goals, most recently against Real Madrid.

2. Pepe Reina: Another talented player who hasn’t got age on his side. Again, just a year younger than Casillas, he has shown a lot of promise. A product of Barcelona youth team, he signed for Villarreal in 2002 after three years at the Nou Camp, before signing for Liverpool in 2005. He has won the Golden Glove award for three consecutive seasons between 2005 and 2008. and even won Liverpool Player of the Season once in 2010. A great penalty stopper, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, though his skill has been overshadowed by poor performances by his Liverpool teammates in recent times. Usually second choice behind Casillas, he would be the natural successor for Spain after Casillas’ retirement. However, he may be too old to be the ‘keeper to replace Casillas.

3. David De Gea: Current captain of the U21 side, he is most likely to take over as goalkeeper. Why? Well, he is next best after Valdes and Reina, and is way younger than both of them. Standing at 6’4″, he is a product of the Atletico Madrid youth team where stayed for 12 years before signing for the Red Devils in 2011. Though he is currently fighting for a first-team spot at Manchester United, he is surely one of the brightest prospects for the future.

4. Diego Marino: Older than De Gea by a year, he is currently playing for Villarreal CF. Though he has represented Spain at all youth levels, he is considerably less gifted than De Gea, and the chances of him becoming the first choice ‘keeper are slim.

A few players who were unlucky to not have put on the No.1 jersey for Spain are:

1. Diego Lopez: 3o years of age but less talented than Casillas and others. Currently plays for Sevilla FC. He has represented Spain only once, that too in the final 30 minutes of a game as a substitute for Pepe Reina.

2. Andres Palop: Another Sevilla man, he has had the talent, but never seemed to have luck on his side as he consolidated his place in the first team at Sevilla only in his mid 30s. Represented Spain in Euro 2008 but didn’t play a single game.

3. Cesar Sanchez: Currently a free agent, he has only one cap, that in a 4-1 loss to Germany way back in 2000. He is 41 and just a few months from retirement.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that David De Gea will represent his country after five-time member of ‘UEFA Team of the Year’ Iker Casillas. Some readers may still have doubts over if the youngster really deserves to represent his country, but he is just 21 and still has plenty of time to improve. Valdes and Reina have only Casillas to blame for not adding to their international caps despite being undoubtedly talented, and though I personally hate the idea of Casillas retiring, it is inevitable and someone will have to take his place sooner or later.