5 Spanish Goalkeeping Prospects Who Could Succeed Iker Casillas

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Iker Casillas has been such an elite presence that Spain haven't worried about who should play in goal since his debut in 2000.

Having accrued 143 caps at the tender age of 31, it seems like a nailed-on certainty that he'll hit the fabled 200-mark.

But when San Iker has hung up his gloves, who can the Spanish public look to to become its new hero between the sticks?

David De Gea

EuroFootball/Getty Images

David de Gea cost Manchester United approximately £18.9 million in June 2011 after some unbelievable displays for Atletico Madrid in La Liga and for Spain in the U21 European Champions (via BBC.co.uk).

The Red Devils recruited him as the heir to Edwin van der Sar's throne, and perhaps the pressure of expectation has got to him.

His adaption to the English Premier League has been far from settled, but there's no doubt he will eventually fulfill his sky-high potential.

Sergio Asenjo

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The future looked so bright at one point for Sergio Asenjo, but now the next few years seem critical in saving his own career.

After losing his place to David de Gea at Atletico Madrid, persistent injuries have stopped him from spending extended periods of time in the first team.

He was such a liability that Diego Simeone felt it necessary to loan Thibaut Courtois two years in a row, but at 23 years of age Asenjo has time to rebuild his own image.

Roberto Marino

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

With Diego Lopez gone, Roberto Marino keeps goal for the recently relegated Villarreal.

With the team in the Segunda Division, he has the perfect chance to accrue game time and match experience whilst playing for a divisional heavyweight, and his good form has been recognised by the Spanish U-21 coach Julen Lopetegui.

La Furia Roja's implementation of possession-based football at all age levels could help Marino rapidly settle into the senior team.

Andres Fernandez

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Andes Fernandez has worked very, very hard to become a first-choice goalkeeper at Osasuna and is now the undisputed No. 1 ahead of the aging Asier Riesgo.

He's 25 years old, which is prime for a 'keeper, and there are rumours surfacing that he'll replace Thibaut Courtois at the Vicente Calderon next season (via Transfermarketweb.com).

That could be the stepping stone Fernandez needs to breach the Spanish national side, along with the potential end to Sergio Asenjo's chances.

Vicente Guaita

Vicente Guaita appears to be the No. 1 upcoming Spanish goalkeeper in La Liga right now, but needs to win his place back in the Valencia goal before he can harbour thoughts of turning out for the national team.

With los Che likely to sell either Guaita or Diego Alves within 18 months, Guaita will hope he's to become the undisputed first choice at the Mestalla.

B/R's Michael Cerna believes he is the de facto best Spanish 'keeper under the age of 30.

 

Follow @stighefootball