Jorge Valdano has said that if he was Real Madrid Coach, he’d pick Iker Casillas in the League prior to the Champions League final.
Casillas has been Madrid’s Cup goalkeeper this season, with Diego Lopez taking the gloves in the League, and it has been noted among the Spanish Press that in the two competitions in which Casillas has featured, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, Madrid are finalists and winners respectively.
In the League, however, Madrid are off the pace in third, six points behind leaders – and Champions League final opponents – Atletico Madrid.
Casillas is expected to keep his place for the European derby in Lisbon on May 24 but it has been suggested Coach Carlo Ancelotti should give Casillas game time in the League to keep him fresh for the final.
Valdano told El Laguero that if he was making the decision, he would field Casillas at least once in the League between now and the final.
“Casillas not playing until the final is a problem,” Marca reports Valdano as saying.
“I would give him minutes. It’s a long time without playing.”
Valdano also praised the performances of Dani Carvajal and suggested the right-back should go to the World Cup.
“A national team shirt wouldn’t be too big for him and players don’t doubt themselves,” Valdano added.
“People from the cantera rarely disappoint.”
Valdano also commended the form of Spanish clubs in Europe this season, particularly the two Madrid clubs in reaching the Champions League final, but also Sevilla for doing likewise in the Europa League.
“Real Madrid gave an exhibition of football in a very difficult scenario,” Valdano said.
“The faith that Diego Simeone has injected in the project has transformed the personality of the team.
“Atletico play only to win, they’re never resigned to anything. They are an accumulation of virtues in a team.
“With three finalists out of four in Europe, Spain is doing something very well.”
