23/05/2008
Cristina Monge / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Agustín Rodríguez Santiago was a product of Real Madrid's youth system, which he joined in 1975. He made his debut with Castilla in 1978 and in 1980 got promoted to the first team as the third keeper with Miguel Ángel and García Remón. Cool-headed and confident -especially due to his height-, he made excellent use of the chance he got when the starter keeper got injured and found a permanent spot on the team. Agustín played for Real Madrid for 15 years, winning four league titles, one UEFA Cup and the Zamora Trophy in the 1982/83 campaign.
1. Why does Iker Casillas deserve the trophy?
It is the reward for many years of hard work. Real Madrid have gone through different stages; they used to conceed too many goals, especially considering the keeper they have, but a stromng group has been built with time and it can now boast of being the least scored upon team. It is a reward for hard work for a great keeper who has gradually become the best there is.
2. What are his best attributes?
Concentration and feline reflexes; two essential attributes.
3. Can you picture Casillas winning a Ballon d'Or?
It's complicated. It depends too much on publicity and trademarks, more so than on the player's quality. Iker's greatest award is being the representative of a true Madridista philosophy... He knows the fans reward him in their own way every Sunday. That, plus the titles he's won, makes him great.
4. Who do you think is the best keeper in the history of Real Madrid?
That's tough. I lived through ten important years in the Club's history, but maybe in order to chose one you would have to look at titles... There is no doubt in my mind that Iker is the best of recent years.
5. What does winning the Zamora mean to a keeper?
The Zamora is a collective trophy because the entire team defends. It acknowledges a good performance in the league. It is even better when it comes hand-in-hand with a league title. The entire team should be proud.