Kiko Casilla has identified that Atletico Madrid’s main strengths this weekend against Espanyol are Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois.
The duo have been notable performers for Los Colchoneros in their so far 100 per cent start to the League season.
In facing up to Atleti at Cornella-El Prat this Saturday, Espanyol’s goalkeeper is well aware of the danger their in-demand striker in particular represents.
“We hope to keep Diego Costa dry, I really trust in my defence,” Casilla commented this week to reporters.
“We know that he is one of the best players and that he will be hard to stop. He is a tough forward, who blows away opponents.
“He does not stop pressing, he has great quality and always plays with great intensity.”
Casilla also noted the impact at the other end of the pitch for Atleti, in fellow shot-stopper Courtois.
“He arrived in a difficult situation because he was replacing David de Gea and I believe that he has assimilated very well to the pressure considering how young he is.
“He is growing game by game, and also for Belgium.
“Collectively, Atletico Madrid are a challenge. It’s a motivational target. After three defeats and with the break in La Liga, we look forward to returning to normal in the competition and who better to face than Atletico.
“They still have not lost and we know it will be difficult.
“Sergio Garcia’s possible absence through injury? He’s a major player, he is our captain and leader, but there are people there to replace him.
“Sergio is a player who makes the difference, but our squad is fairly compensated.”
The 27-year-old has reportedly caught the attention of a number of clubs in Europe for his form with Los Pericos, but looks no closer to involvement at international level with Spain.
“Whenever there is competition within the group it is positive. I believe that Vicente del Bosque is handling it very well, with intelligence.”
