The retired veteran has expressed that it is highly unlikely for a goalkeeper to win an award that signifies the efforts of the outfield players.
Real Madrid legend, Alfredo di Stefano, has downplayed speculation regarding Spanish national team's captain, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Casillas-c16815, winning the Ballon d’Or.
Di Stefano has claimed that football is a sport which is reliant on the outfield players and not goalkeepers.
The former Madridista went on to emphasized that it is a gifted pair of legs that can win a footballer an individual accolade, not a pair of arms and hands.
Casillas, who is also the skipper of Real Madrid, has been rated as a world class shot stopper ever since his inclusion in the Madrid senior team. It took the Spaniard little time to be noticed as a genius between the posts.
The determination, grit and crucial saves put forth by the veteran goalie is unlike any other player in the world.
The Blancos number 1 has been amongst the finest goalkeepers in the world since 2002.
Last season, the captain of the Spanish giants played an inspirational role for the whole squad. The fact that his teammates and defenders can depend on him is truly an impressive attribute and the player has only improved over the years.
In this year’s European Championship, Casillas was named the goalkeeper of the tournament as he conceded only once during La Roja’s successful campaign.
As a result, a number of professionals, veterans and experts suggested that the Spaniard should be awarded the Ballon d’Or.
However, Di Stefano has opposed such views and has claimed that it is improbable for the player to be awarded the prestigious award.
While talking to reporters, the 86-year-old was quoted as saying:
"Casillas deserves to be paid homage to because he is a great goalkeeper, but playing with your feet and not with your hands is what counts now, so I do not think he will get the Ballon d'Or. But to recognise him as the best goalkeeper at the Euros is a
good award."
Many have tipped http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 to compete for the Ballon d’Or this year once again. It will be interesting to see who takes the trophy home as one has won more trophies while the other has scored more goals.
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