Thank You Iker !!! A Tribute Article to the Legend

 

With our captain set for Porto, I make one last tribute for Iker.

The hands that saved Madrid for the past 25 years has finally said goodbye.

Every story has an end. Even our soul comes to peace at last. And so does Casillas fairytale at Madrid. The club icon since 1990 has said his last words yesterday and today it is the first day of life for all Madridistas without San Iker.

Casillas deserves a lot of respect and he is one of the most humble persons the sport has ever seen. And moreover, the best goalkeeper the world had ever witnessed. Like Xavi said, "When all hopes are gone, Iker suddenly appears and saves you".

And it has been like that for the past 16 years in Santiago Bernabeau. Every moment when you think it's all over, Casillas appears at 7/3 post and gives you a lifeline. When you mess up again, he gives another lifeline.

There are a lot of justifications for Xavi's claims. One was during the WC10' final in which Casillas produced the most important save in world history by tucking a Robben shot with his legs. That moment gave Spain the chance to go on and win the final.

And in the 2002 Champions League final, a game in which Zidane struck a wonderful volley-winner, Casillas came off the bench for injured Cesar Sanchez and made a number off historic saves. Two years before the final, Casillas became the youngest player ever to play in a Champions League final against Valencia which Real won 3-0.

Since then, it was all an era of world's best goalkeeper. Casillas clinched his Real's 31st La Liga in 2007-08 and was awarded the Zamora trophy. However, Madrid failed to clinch a silverware next season as Barcelona grabbed a sextuple in 2009.

That year saw Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka arrive at Real Madrid. Another season without glory passed and Casillas still was short of domestic cup glory. But during 2010-2011, Raul and Guti left the club and the captaincy was handed to Iker.

And then, he turned out from a goalkeeper to a leader.

                                                "When all hopes are gone, Iker suddenly                                                                                                              appears and saves you"- Xavi

And finally, his 11-year wait for Copa triumph was ended when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a terrific header to down Barcelona. The new season saw Jose Mourinho's side lose to the Catalans in Super Coppa but it was just the beginning of success. 

Real Madrid and Casillas became the first team to reach 100 points in the league and definetely, the skipper was an essential part of the club. But 2013 proved to be a turning point in Casillas' career. 

He was injured after getting kicked in his finger by fellow man Arbeloa. That meant Casillas was out for three months and Mourinho bought Diego Lopez from Sevilla. Lopez continued to hit the peak and even after recovering from injury, Casillas was benched. He fell out with Mourinho and was even snubbed in the Portugese' last match as head coach of Real Madrid.

Months after Mourinho's deparure, Ancelotti arrived and he found a new way to sort out things. He used Lopez for league matches and Iker for cup rounds. And the season witnessed Casillas' and Real Madrid's best season in the decade. They clinched the prolong 'La Decima' though Casillas blundered in the final. And his second Copa del Rey was delivered when Gareth Bale scored the most memorable goal in the tournament.

2014-2015, the most recently finished season, wasn't good for Casillas at all. He was booed simultaneously by his own fans and endured another trophyless season. 

Meanwhile, with Spain, Casillas is the most capped player with 162 appearances and led the team to a hattrick of tournament glory from 2008-2012. The six years saw Spain win all the Euro 08', WC10' and Euro 12'. But he was snubbed recently after a poor run of performances with Spain in which the defending champions crashed out of WC 14'Group Stage.

But after all, Casillas has stepped down after serving from the age of 9. He has done a lot to the club and of course, it would never be the same Iker without the Real Madrid crest. And this isn't a departure Iker!!. 

Hoping you soon. Good Luck Captain and Long Live Iker. You are always welcome at Santiago Bernabeau!!!!

THANK U 4 ALL THE GUD MOMENTS

'LA DECIMA'

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 14'

AND LAST FAREWELL SPEECH

SOME FACTS:

• One of the three goalkeepers to win all the major tournaments played
• 'Best Goalkeeper of the Year Award' five times winner
• Zamora Trophy Winner

CAREER STATISTICS AND HONOURS:

• 25 years. One club: Real Madrid
• 725 appeareances in Real Madrid crest
• 162 caps for Spain
• 5 La Liga
• 3 Champions League
• 2 Copa del Rey
• 2 UEFA Super Cup
• 1 Club World Cup
• 1 World Cup
• 2 European Championship

                                                                  GRACIES SAN IKER CASILLAS!!!

El Clasico: Player-by-Player fact.

With El Clasico up on grabs this Sunday, I take a look at each player who may make the starting XI at Camp Nou.

GOALKEEPERS

        Iker Casillas/ Keylor Navas                                                      Claudio Bravo

The department that causes chaos in the dressing room for Los Blancos' may be goalkeeping. Though Real Madrid have two of world's best in the position, the choice of one has affected the other. Casillas has been poor throughout the season and never really got the hang of his performance in recent years. Keylor, on the other side, just got five appearances so far, though he was chosen the best goalkeeper last term and produced a memorable performance in the World Cup. The selection of goalkeepers will surely be a test for Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Claudio Bravo is the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in Europe and is going through his best part of life. Ter Stegen had not caused any problems for Chilean and the German in turn was given the duty in Cup competitions. Luis Enrique wouldn't be so concerned about the man to start at goal ahead of El Clasico.

DEFENDERS

                Daniel Carvajal                                                                   Dani Alves

Daniel Carvajal has played a significant part in Real Madrid's performance this season. The young right-back has turned from the best Bundesliga right-back to Real Madrid's wing back. He is known for his efficiency in passing and stands as a supporter for Gareth Bale. Often takes up his position at the right wing and plays important role in Real Madrid's goals. Carvajal also returns to his own D when in times of need and is also one of best in his position. Surely, he must start at the right flank against Barcelona.

Dani Alves remains the right back option for Barcelona this whole season and is expected to start in Clasico. Though he is one of finest in his position, Alves has produced a number of chaos in the dressing room and isn't in good terms with the rest of squad and club. His agent has reported that Alves may leave Barca this summer. However, Dani Alves is good both in attacking and defending. Like Carvajal, Alves also acts as a wing back for Luis Enrique. As it is, Dani Alves won't be surprised by taking the bench against Madrid and instead start at the right defense.

                     Pepe/Varane                                                                  Jeremy Mathieu

One of the two centre-backs may be either Frenchman Varane or Portuguese Pepe. Both of them deserve a chance in starting lineup though Pepe has more chances than his compatriot. Varane would be better in order to stop in-form Messi and has the ability to track and chase the opposition. Meanwhile, Pepe is a better defender with more experience and stands as a helping hand for fellow centre back Sergio Ramos. His famous ability to disallow opponents to take control of his possession would be a good motive against mighty Barcelona.

Since Vermalean was injured long back, Jeremy Mathieu has turned into a permanent starter for Luis Enrique. He has turned into a fantastic centre-back then, and is the reason Gerard Pique is allowed to attack. Stands as the last man in defense and is known for his aerial abilities. Mathieu is also instrumental in clearing air balls during corners and free kicks. Though he didn't start last time, Mathieu may start at the back this Sunday if Mascherano plays at defensive mid.


                             Sergio Ramos                                                               Gerard Pique

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos is the greatest defender for the Whites' for the past few years. Currently the world's best, Ramos is not only a defender, but also a warrior and a spirit for the side. His absence coincided with Real Madrid's worst performance in the season. Being highly influential in Real's victories, Ramos is famous for his aerial abilities and his goal scoring record. He is also excellent in terms of defending and has a good speed and dribbling ability. Without doubt, Ancelotti will make him play the whole game at New Camp.

Took over Barca's control of defense after Puyol retired back in 2013. Currently in good form, Pique would start against Real Madrid alongside Mascherano or Mathieu. He is also good in goal scoring and defending. Unlike Ramos, Pique hasn't had good luck in recent meetings. He was often poor against Madrid for the past few meetings and got dribbled down by Cristiano, Bale and Benzema. Though his performance against Champions League holders is bad, Gerard Pique will still be in starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti's men.


                   Marcelo Junior                                                                 Jordi Alba

Perhaps, he and Alaba remains the finest left back today. A perfect winger. Marcelo cannot be replaced by anyone in Real Madrid and Brazil. The Brazilian is a major influence on Cristiano Ronaldo and also supports the Portugese. Also a major star in Real's attack. When on defense, Marcelo is great and can threaten Messi and Neymar during the game. In the past years, Carlo Ancelotti hasn't benched Marcelo in high clashes.

Jordi Alba is the second best in La Liga and is a major influence on MSN. Links up well with the others in the squad and is a better defender than Marcelo. The rising popularity of the young Spaniard means that a bright future seeks Jordi Alba. Like Marcelo, Luis Enrique will start Jordi Alba at the left flank.

MIDFIELDERS

               Lucas Silva/Francisco Isco                                                   Javier Mascherano

It may seem impossible to drop Isco against the Catalans, but it is also not possible to drop Lucas Silva. Isco may provide an extra attack but a stabled defence is more important for Real Madrid than attack. For that case, Lucas Silva must start. But Isco is the best player for Real this year. So, dropping him would cause chaos in the dressing rom and media. As for it is, Isco is the favourite to start, but Lucas Silva must atleast be given a few minutes by Ancelotti.

The best centre-back and best defensive midfielder in Barcelona is Javier Mascherano. Moreover, he is also paradoxically their captain. The fellow Argentine, whose heroics led Argentina to World Cup finals, made headlines with his performance. He acts as the common link between the defense and attack. Most probably, would be starting at the midfield this El Clasico.

                       Toni Kroos                                                    Ivan Rakitic/Sergio Busquets

Bought from Bayern Munich this summer, Toni Kroos has turned an attacking masterclass to a centre midfielder. Fantastic when on ball and one of the biggest asset in the game. He is also energetic throughout a match and never shy of having one or two shots of his own. Never responsible for losses and an efficient air ball producer. Ancelotti would not drop Toni Kroos in such an important clash.

The Croatian is a significant player in the squad and is hitting his peak this month. Scored the winner against City with a chip last game and produced a highly satisfactory performance against former. But Sergio Busquets may have the last laugh. Always a starter for Barcelona in the past few seasons, Busquets has a lion's share of moments in the Clasico than Rakitic. Both of them helps the defence and Rakitic is instrumental for Suarez. With current form, Rakitic is the favourite to feature in tip-top clash.

                         
                  Luka Modric                                                                Xavi/Andres Iniesta

Perhaps, the most missed player of the season is back for God's sake. Luka Modric can't be defined like others. Best midfielder in the squad, most efficient producer of passes, marvelous retainer of possession, good defending, excellent ball control etc. are some of Luka's qualities. His arrival has stopped the recent struggle for form from the team and moreover, acts as the backbone of the squad. The control of midfield lies between Modric. He is also the second player with most accuracy and has the highest retain control (around 5 times in 90 minutes). Couldn't imagine El Clasico without him.

The best trio of all time is Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. There was a time at which this trio could be stopped only by God. Though Messi is still class, Xavi and Iniesta has been fighting for chance. Xavi has been great in the league and Iniesta still remains their backbone. Don't know who is going to start at Camp Nou, maybe Enrique would consider both of them in the starting XI. The presence of Xavi or Iniesta or both could make El Clasico tough for Real to handle.

ATTACKERS

                          Gareth Bale                                                               Neymar Junior

Gareth Bale must tie up his laces if he wants to stop the recent criticism. The Welshman was excellent at the start of the season, but an injury at mid-October affected him. He couldn't take up part in the first Clasico and then never hit his peak. However, Modric's return resulted in his improvement as he hammered two goals into the net last match. Bale is known for his sheer pace and power. The performance against Levante meant that Gareth Bale has finally returned to form and Ancelotti will give him a chance.

Neymar Junior has transformed from a young talent to a Balon d'Or contender. He can never never be called a future star because he is already performing more than his expectations at the moment. He links up with fellow star Messi and has scored 17 goals in the league. Has an excellent finishing ability and causes problems when on ball. Neymar must be watched carefully as he is good enough to change the course of a game.

                     Karim Benzema                                                            Luis Suarez

Karim Benzema was fantastic in the last four El Clasicos. The Frenchman had a spectacular start to the season and was awarded 'Player of October and November' by Real Madrid CF. However, the New Year never really saw the best of Benzema. His form was dropped down but he still had one or two memorable games this year. Was great last match and had the best chance of the game to score. However, Benzema's recent form against Barcelona must not be underestimated. There is still a lot of hope in the Frenchman.

Was bought for 85 million euros this summer, but had his debut against Real Madrid after serving a four month ban. Suarez was great during his debut and assisted for Neymar's goal. Though he never hit his peak under Luis Enrique, Suarez still settled in the first team. Was lame at the start of New Year but began to breathe then. The Uruguayan returned back to England against Manchester City and thrashed them by scoring both the goals in 2-1 win. Suarez, then had a fantastic month and also hit the woodwork in his last match. His skill, passing and unpredictable finishing must be a great asset for Luis Enrique when they host Real Madrid.

               Cristiano Ronaldo                                                               Lionel Messi

Experienced the best start of the season in his 11-year old career and scored 20 goals with 13 Liga Matches. That included 12 goals in 5 matches and three hattricks. However, he never recovered to his best since January. After being crowned World Player of The Year, Ronaldo just scored 9 goals in this year. Though he has a spectacular month going on, still being criticized for lack of goals. But he can never be benched because you don't know when he shows his class.

Lionel Messi is back. The player that would be watched this Clasico will be the Argentine. He is going through a fantastic time, scoring 20 goals in the year and 12 assists. Morever, very efficient in dribbling and passing. Messi seems almost unstoppable. He is currently 2 goals ahead of Ronaldo in Golden Shoe race. Surely, Real Madrid defenders must watch out or they will be thrashed by the Argentine.      

      

     

  

"I will play till 40" -Iker Casillas

  

Casillas wants to stay until the age of 40's.

The 33-year-old never considered leaving the Whites.

Real Madrid skipper San Iker Casillas Fernandez has expressed his love at Real Madrid and wants to play for his city as long as he could or for at least seven more years. The Spaniard is currently 33 and wants to play until the age of 40.

Casillas also said that he was allowed to leave when he felt unhappy but the keeper never really thought of that.

"I was allowed to go the day I wanted to leave according to my presidents. I want to play until 40. I am happy here".

When asked why he was always happy there Casillas responded in this way,"If you have a target and if you are strong, you wont leave where you are".

When asked about club's prestige, Spanish number one said anything could be possible in "months". "You can get anything here in months. Example, the European Cup is a great example".

Finally, Casillas was asked about 'The Eleventh'. 

"We have got a team for that and we can win the 11th European Cup".

Real Madrid next face Liverpool tonight with Casillas set to make a start like always. 

Iker Casillas: Top league by Christmas

  

Real Madrid skipper wants La Liga before 2015 according to his club's aims.

The 33-year-old club icon wants to stand in driver's seat before the end of December and start an even better new year.

Real Madrid goalie Iker Casillas has revealed his club's aim for this year. Los Blancos must reach first in La Liga before winter break.

Real Madrid thumped Barcelona 3-1 last week, and the skipper wants his teammates to focus on the number one spot and reach them before Christmas.

"We must try and top league by Christmas. We are closer after Barcelona victory" Casillas told reporters.

When asked what was the inspiration behind achieving aims, the skipper answered the reporters as 'La Decima'.

"La Decima gave celebration to all Real fans. It took a weight from our shoulders".

Real last won La Liga in 2012 under Jose Mourinho with a record 100 points that time. They want to achieve the 33rd in similar fashion and La Decima is taken as inspiration according to the skipper.