Raul Albiol has reflected that the criticism being aimed against Iker Casillas is part of a campaign to prevent him from winning the Ballon d’Or.
The Spain and Real Madrid captain is a suggested candidate for the annual award recognising the best player of the past 12 months, but teammate Albiol believes there are people out there that don’t want him to win it.
“He has been number one for many years and now everyone wants to destabilise him,” the defender told EFE.
“Iker has long proven to be the number one and he still is. Some people want to remove him from this position. He is very calm. He’s young for a goalkeeper, despite the years and the titles that he already carries. I see him as happy and that is important.
“I guess it could affect him when he is at home, it is normal. He always demands the best from himself and can get frustrated.
“When he is at home thinking about things, some of it could affect him, but he is quite mature. He has experience so he is not affected in the field.”
Albiol reiterated that the criticism has been for a specific reason, to stop him from winning the Ballon d’Or.
“Maybe that is what is wanted, to remove the favourite for the Ballon d’Or. When doing this kind of thing, the criticism is for an objective. This campaign sees one less problem for those who want to choose the next Ballon d’Or winner.
“Clearly to select a goalkeeper is very difficult, but if anyone can achieve it then it is Iker. Last year he won titles with Spain and Real Madrid. He had a great season. But hey, I do not think that it will affect him much mentally.”
