Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has been named on the five-man shortlist for the goalkeeper position in the Fifa Pro XI team of the year.
The 33-year-old shot stopped is joined by former Atletico de Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon.
Pundits have said Casillas is a shock inclusion on the list and he is unlikely to actually be named in the Fifa Pro XI. He has appeared twice before. in 2008 and 2012.
Despite not featuring in La Liga much last season, he played a key role as Los Blancos won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season as well as the European Super Cup at the start of this campaign.
He has also overcome much criticism from the media and fans alike for some below par performances to claim back his place in the starting eleven this season and help Madrid to top spot in La Liga.
Unfortunately for Casillas, Spain’s performances at the World Cup in the summer mean it is unlikely he’ll be named in the team. La Roja were beaten 5-1 by Holland in their opening fixture and followed that up with a 2-0 loss to Chile as the 2010 winners were sent home early.
