Iker Casillas' best days may be behind him, but the former Real Madrid goalkeeper still remains an expert on what makes a top class stopper, although his selection for best 'keeper in the world is a tad surprising.
Whenever the conversation is had between football fans, players and pundits as to who the greatest goalkeeper in the world is, two names commonly crop up - Manuel Neuer and David De Gea.
Yet the Spain and Germany number ones are not sitting atop Casillas' list, with the Porto goalkeeper instead opting for Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois.
Of course, Courtois has established himself as one of the most dependable 'keepers in world football since he sprung to prominence during a loan spell at Atletico Madrid, where he helped Los Rojiblancos lift La Liga title, in 2014.
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Speaking during an interview with Onda Cero, the World Cup and Champions League winner explained his choice, "Courtois is the best keeper in the world right now. He is having a great season at Chelsea. He may not be playing in Europe which people maybe pay a bit more attention to, but he is playing as well as he usually has in these past few seasons. Courtois would be a great goalkeeper for Real Madrid."
Whether Casillas' decision to snub De Gea is anything to do with the Manchester United man replacing Casillas as number one for the Spanish national team (and, were it not for a dodgy fax machine, as Real's first choice stopper, too) is one for the footballing conspiracy theorists to stew over, but it's interesting to note that Casillas recommends Courtois as a future number one at the Bernabeu, given the Belgian's past ties to city rivals Atletico.
The best in the world? Iker Casillas thinks so. Image: PA
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Courtois has been enjoying a relatively stress free season behind Antonio Conte's well drilled Chelsea defence, conceding just 15 goals in 22 games.
Casillas, meanwhile, is enjoying a revival of fortunes at Porto after a rather perilous, error strewn first season, with the former Spain skipper shipping just 10 times in 19 appearances, this term.
What do you make of Casillas' choice? Is Courtois the best in the world or is it in fact just Gianluigi Buffon until he retires at the age of 65?
(H/T 101 Great Goals)
Topics: Football, FC Porto, Chelsea FC, Thibaut Courtois, Iker Casillas, Real Madrid