Former Real Madrid goalkeeper talks Vinicius, Asencio, Lunin, Courtois – ‘You have to stay’ | OneFootball

Kiko Casilla, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, recently shared his thoughts on several important topics surrounding the club.

This includes the potential move of Vinicius Jr. to Saudi Arabia, the performances of current goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, as well as the overall team’s form this season.

Regarding the ongoing speculation around a €300 million offer for Vinicius Jr., Casilla expressed his thoughts on what should happen if he were in the player’s or club’s position.

He believes that if a player is determined to leave, the club should respect their decision, as holding onto someone unwilling to stay could cause harm to the team.

“If I were the club, I would ask the player. If you have a player who wants to leave, you have to let him go.

“Otherwise, it would be detrimental to the team. I don’t know if the offer is real, but the first thing is to ask him if he wants to listen to the offer or not,” he told AS.

However, if he were Vinicius, he would choose to stay at Real Madrid. He stressed the importance of being part of a club like Madrid and believes that Vinicius still has many years to enjoy and make an impact at the club.

“Now, if I were a player, I would say no. I would stay. I respect the Arab league, but you are at Real Madrid, you are a flagship, young, and you still have many years to give joy. They could come to you again in five years with that offer. You have to stay.”

On Thibaut Courtois

Casilla says Courtois should not be compared to Iker Casillas. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

When discussing Courtois, Casilla acknowledged the Belgian’s exceptional quality, ranking him among the best goalkeepers in the world.

However, he was quick to highlight the legacy of Iker Casillas, calling him a club legend due to his remarkable career at Madrid and the Spanish national team.

“Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But you have to respect what Iker has been. Not only in the first team but also as a youth player. He is a legend. He also arrived at a difficult time for Madrid,” he said.

“They cannot be compared. Also, because they are different styles. Each one has had his time. Hopefully, Courtois can become a legend like Iker.”

Thoughts on Andriy Lunin

It’s difficult being the second choice at Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Casilla also praised Andriy Lunin for his efforts during Courtois and Kepa’s injuries, noting that Lunin had an outstanding season and played a crucial role in the team’s Champions League victory.

“Being a substitute for Real Madrid is not easy. When Courtois and Kepa were injured, he had a spectacular season. A large part of the Champions League that was won was thanks to him. He played crucial moments.”

Casilla believes that Lunin has earned the right to decide his future at the club, whether that involves staying and competing for the top spot or seeking a move for more playing time elsewhere.

“Lunin has earned the right to decide when to leave or when not. He has earned the right to leave or to hold on. Although he knows who he has in front of him.

“You have to choose. The best thing that could have happened to him is to earn that respect.”

Advice to Asencio

Regarding the young talent at the club, Casilla offered advice to players like Raul Asencio, urging them to enjoy their time at Real Madrid despite the pressures they face.

He stressed that they should embrace the experience and appreciate the opportunity they have, as playing for such a prestigious club is a privilege.

“He should enjoy it, he should not have that pressure. Although he will have it because they are playing for Real Madrid. He needs to enjoy that experience and value where they are.”

On Real Madrid’s performance

Real Madrid have been beaten twice by Barcelona this season. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Finally, Casilla commented on Real Madrid’s form this season. While the team is currently leading La Liga, he acknowledged the struggles they have had in key matches, particularly against Barcelona.

“It’s just that they haven’t had their best games against Barcelona. Everything went well for Barça and nothing went well for Madrid. That Super Cup final was tough. It was a complicated moment.”

Casilla mentioned that while the team had a slow start to the season, they have regained their rhythm and now look more cohesive.

He also highlighted the growing connection between the team and new signing Kylian Mbappe, which he believes will help them in the long run.

“It’s true that at the beginning of the League, they had a bit of a slump, but they found their way back.

“Now everything is in its place and Mbappe already knows how the team plays and vice versa. There is more connection,” he concluded.