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Name:
Iker Casillas Fernández

Place of Birth:
Madrid, Spain

Date of Birth:
20 May, 1981

Position:
Goalkeeper

Clubs:
Real Madrid (Spain, La Liga)

AskMen's Rating of Player:
(skills, leadership, etc., out of 100)
80

Importance to Team:
9 out of 10

Why is he a key player?:
Since 1999 Iker Casillas has been a solid rock as Real Madrid's last line of defense. Although young for a goalkeeper, his acrobatic saves leave his peers in awe. Casillas has been called upon repeatedly to maintain leads with his lightning quick reflexes. Unafraid to come off his line and cut off the angles, he is reputed for his victories in the much feared one-on-one situations.
The 23 year old made his international debut on June 6th, 2000 against Sweden earning a spot on Spain's squad for the Euro 2000. Spending the tournament on the bench did not seem to suit his style so when the 2002 FIFA World Cup rolled around, he decided that it was his time to shine. He was dubbed 'Saint Casillas' by the media due to his incredible shot-stopping, three of which were penalty saves.
Casillas inherited the Real Madrid Number 1 jersey in 1999 having started with the youth program at age eight. In his first season, he helped take his team to Champions League glory, winning the League title the same year. He would relinquish his spot to César Sánchez before once again taking charge during the 2001/2002 Champions League final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Casillas was instrumental in maintaining Madrid's narrow 2-1 lead in the match with a string of brilliant stops.
Casillas has cool, steady nerves in high pressure situations. Spain's coach Inaki Saez will have no trouble choosing his goalkeeper even with the likes of Santiago Cańizares on the roster sheet. With a World Youth Championship, a brilliant World Cup showing, and just five goals against in qualifying for the 2004 Eurocup, the tough end-of-season at Real Madrid will surely be forgotten