Spain realised they had a real talent on their hands when Casillas burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old in the 1999/2000 season.

The maturity evident in his displays for Real Madrid as he helped them towards their Champions League success that year sent shivers down the spines of goalkeeping rivals Santiago Canizares and Jose Molina.

Casillas is quick, courageous and a fine shot-stopper. However, his weakness on crosses kept him behind Molina and Canizares in the pecking order for Euro 2000.

He has improved considerably since then and his annual involvement with Real in the Champions League can only enhance his reputation.