Spain struggling to find long-term replacement for Casillas

Since Casillas left the international scene in 2016, a number of keepers have tried - and failed - to fill the gloves vacated by him.

Published : Apr 01, 2021 17:46 IST , MADRID

Casillas was a shoo-in to play Spain in a 16-year international career in which he featured 167 times and won two Euros  plus a World Cup-REUTERS
Casillas was a shoo-in to play Spain in a 16-year international career in which he featured 167 times and won two Euros plus a World Cup-REUTERS
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Casillas was a shoo-in to play Spain in a 16-year international career in which he featured 167 times and won two Euros plus a World Cup-REUTERS

There was a time when Spain's starting lineup was goalkeeper Iker Casillas and 10 others.

The former Real Madrid player was a shoo-in to play for his country in a 16-year international career in which he featured 167 times and won two European Championships plus a World Cup.

However, since Casillas left the international scene in 2016, a number of keepers have tried - and failed - to fill the gloves vacated by 'Saint Iker'.

With only one friendly planned before this year's European Championship, Spain is at a crossroads with their goalkeeping options and need to make a decision on style or substance.

Incumbent Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao has earned plaudits for his shot stopping but a lack of composure on the ball means he is ill-suited to Spain's possession-based style.

Simon had usurped David de Gea - the likely viable alternative - as first choice after a number of error-strewn displays for his country by the Manchester United keeper culminated in a 1-0 defeat by Ukraine last October.

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De Gea, who is far more comfortable in possession than Simon, has not played for Spain since - and his future at United looks uncertain following the emergence of Dean Henderson.

Any thoughts coach Luis Enrique has of putting him back in the side could be undermined by a lack of action at club level.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was earmarked as the long-term successor but his disastrous spell at Chelsea has seen his place in the Spain squad taken by Brighton & Hove Albion's Robert Sanchez.

Untried at international level and playing for a side struggling in the Premier League, it seems implausible that Sanchez could be first choice for the Euros starting in June.

However, the goalkeeping position is fast becoming a problem that Enrique needs to rectify if La Roja harbour hopes of glory.

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