Even though Carlo Ancelotti has stated he will trust Iker Casillas to guard Real Madrid's posts in the upcoming Clasico on Sunday, the debate is still open. Should the Italian boss consider starting Keylor Navas instead of the legendary Spanish shot-stopper? How would this affect Carletto's image with the rest of the team, and most importantly: Is Keylor Navas ready to undertake such a responsability? Let us have a look at the numbers and decide.
Iker Casillas: El Capitan's final hours as Real Madrid's Number One 'keeper?
Following one of the most disappointing years in his career, Casillas has seen how his credit with Santiago Bernabeu's loyal fans is coming to an end. Having endured criticism for a long time, Casillas recent performances have raised doubts concerning his diminished skills, especially after conceding Real Madrid's net to Diego Lopez last year. Casillas' outings last season were limited to Copa del Rey matches and UEFA Champions League games, which the team ended up winning. Nevertheless, Iker's bad timing opened the door for Atletico's Diego Godin goal in the Champions League final, being rescued by Sergio Ramos in the final minutes of the game.
During Real Madrid's complicated 2015, the goalkeeper from Móstoles has only kept a clean sheet in five games, conceding four goals two times (against Atletico and Schalke 04). On those games, Casillas was heavily criticized for making mistakes that ended up in the back of his net.
Iker Casillas' games in 2015
Keylor Navas: Los Blancos' next superstar defending the net?
Navas emerged to the spotlight after his brilliant performances with Levante for two consecutive seasons. The player from Costa Rica confirmed his magnificent form during the recent World Cup, where he qualified with Los Ticos to a Quarter-final stage for the first time ever, and was recognized as La Liga's best shot-stopper last season. His performances with his National Team inspired Florentino Perez to sign him, even with Casillas and Diego Lopez under contract. During his first year with Los Merengues, Navas has only played nine games, most of them in Copa del Rey action. He's kept a clean sheet in three of those matches.
Fans seem to think it's time for a change
Maybe influenced by Casillas' poor performances, or willing to see a change of guard in Real Madrid's net, polling shows that Keylor Navas would be the preferred shot-stopper for Los Blancos. Since the season's early months, Spanish newspapers asked their readers which keeper they wanted defending Madrid's net, and most of those showed Navas as the desired guardian. One of the most recent polls by Diario As revealed that three out of every four Madrid loyals want Navas as the team's starter.
Question: Should Keylor Navas be given a chance to start for Real Madrid?
Even before the season started, Spanish newspaper Marca revealed that most fans wanted Navas to take Casillas' place guarding the posts.
Question: Who would you start, Iker Casillas or Keylor Navas?
That being sad, and considering each player's merits, who should take care of business against Barcelona on Sunday?
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