Iker Casillas had a phenomenal season and won the Zamora Trophy. The keeper was fresh off another league title with his team and finished the year as the goalie who conceded the fewest goals in the championship.
Legendary Real Madrid keepers who have won the trophy, such as Agustín, Betancort, Miguel Ángel, Araquistáin, Junquera and Buyo, sit down with Realmadrid.com to comment on Casillas.
29/04/2008
By Cristina Monge / Translation by Matthew Goltz
Iker Casillas had a phenomenal season and won the Zamora Trophy. The keeper was fresh off another league title with his team and finished the year as the goalie who conceded the fewest goals in the championship.
Legendary Real Madrid keepers who have won the trophy, such as Agustín, Betancort, Miguel Ángel, Araquistáin, Junquera and Buyo, sit down with Realmadrid.com to comment on Casillas.
1. Why does Iker Casillas deserve the trophy?
He deserves it because he is having a great season. He's been the most consistent goalkeeper and he's conceded fewer goals than any other.
2. What are his best attributes?
Iker Casillas is a keeper who is remains focused for ninety minutes. He is agile and has great reflexes, but he is also brave, has great reaction speed, and is an all-around player.
3. Can you picture Casillas winning a Balon d'Or?
Being a goalkeeper is a handicap when it comes to chances of winning the Balon d'Or, but they do deserve it just as much as forwards do. That's why I have some doubts as to whether he will win it or not. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it, but because those who decide who gets it have totally different parameters for each player. I'd like to add that the best player doesn't always win this kind of award, and sometimes it's a matter of interests. Iker deserves to win every award out there.
4. Who do you think is the best keeper in the history of Real Madrid?
Fortunately for this club, many exceptional goalkeepers have played for Real Madrid. It's also got one of the best academies in the world. Iker is as good as the best keepers in history. He's an essential piece of this team and he's already living history for Real Madrid.
5. What does winning the Zamora mean to a keeper?
It's a dream come true; an important achievement and great personal satisfaction. It's even more rewarding when you play for Real Madrid because the team is so offensive-minded. Playing offensively and leaving a lot of open space is common, which is why the role of the goalkeeper is crucial. It's a lot easier to win the Zamora when playing for a conservative team, and that's why it will be even more special if Casillas wins it.