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No. 49 Iker Casillas, Real Madrid/Spain
Why he's ranked: Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning captain has been respected as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the game since his made his debut for Real Madrid in the 1998-99 season. He quickly became the club's first-choice keeper the following season and has won 11 major trophies with Los Blancos. Despite his demotion to second-choice keeper in the past two seasons, he has remained loyal and focused on the club's cause.
Key stat: All-time leader in caps for the Spanish national team with 153 appearances.
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caption: Casillas is looking to parlay a Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid into success with Spain at the World Cup.
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What the experts say: "There's a reason he's still 'San Iker' and still gets the nod ahead of the likes of David De Gea, Pepe Reina and (before his injury) Victor Valdes. Casillas makes his defenders more confident. His positioning and his reflexes remain about as good as you're going to get. And while set pieces may not be his forte, he's been able to make the experience accumulated in 15 seasons at the highest level count." -- Gabriele Marcotti
What You Think:
"It's incredible how goals can change games." Indeed. It truly is.
- James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) May 29, 2014
Other articles:
- Graham Hunter: Casillas the competitor still key for club and country
- Michael Cox: Has a lack of games hurt Spain's No. 1?
- ESPN FC Blogs: Spain
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