The revelation

Iker Casillas is the best example of a new breed of Spanish footballer who can offer fine skills, experience at the highest level and - above all - youth.

He has so far also had all the luck, taking part in the 2002 World Cup only after becoming a late replacement for regular 'keeper Santiago Canizares.

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas (L) attempts to block a shot by Irish forward Robbie Keane (back-R) as Spain's Fernando Hierro (#6) looks on in their second round match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Suwon, 16 June 2002. The two teams were tied at regulation time 1-1 as play continues. The winner will meet either South Korea or Italy in the quarter-finals 22 June in Gwangju. AFP PHOTO/Jimin LAI

Casillas is no beginner. He played no less than ten times for Spain before his 20th birthday and his baby face is a familiar sight behind the defence of perhaps the most distinguished club side in the world, Real Madrid.

In Real's 2002 Champions League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen (2-1) he was heroic, coming on as a substitute and keeping the Germans at bay with at least two miraculous saves in the dying minutes of the game.

For Spain's national coach Jose Antonio Camacho to consider leaving veteran Valencia campaigner Canizares on the bench in favour of a teenager is proof that there is something very special behind those boyish looks.

Old head

Real Madrid's players celebrate with the Champions League trophy 24 May 2000, following their victory in the final against Valencia. Real Madrid won 3-0. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)

At first sight Casillas looked like a lad looking for the youth team who had taken the wrong entrance but he soon silenced intrigued fans with a string of exhilarating saves.

He handled the daunting experience of playing against the giant clubs of Europe in the Champions League with remarkable composure, helping Real to the title.

The Spaniard is blessed with natural, unerring judgement and innate ball skills which, combined with excellent technique, give his defenders the absolute reassurance they need under pressure.

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (R) goes to punch the ball against Manchester United's Dwight Yorke (L) during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match at Old Trafford in Manchester 19 April 2000. Manchester United scored an early own goal in the first half. ELECTRONIC IMAGE

He made several vital reflex saves for Real Madrid during their triumphant 2000 Champions League campaign, especially against Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the later stages.

Coming after his contribution to Spain's success at the under-20 World Championship in Nigeria in 2000, his brilliant performances at club level proved he had what it takes to perform at the very highest level and he was included in Spain's squad for the 2000 European Championship.

Feet on the ground

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas makes a save during a penalty shootout against Ireland in their second round match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Suwon, 16 June 2002. Spain won the penalty shootout 3-2 after regulation time finished tied 1-1 and advances to the quarter-finals. AFP PHOTO/Jacques DEMARTHON

Barcelona made an offer for him at the start of the 2000-01 season but Casillas preferred to sign a new contract with Real Madrid that will take him up to 2006.

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas dives as South Korean defender Hong Myung-bo (L) scores the winning goal during the quarter-final match against Spain at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Gwangju, 22 June 2002. South Korea beat Spain during the penalty shootout and will meet Germany in the semifinal match on June 25 in Seoul AFP PHOTO/Christophe SIMON

He will almost certainly remain Spain's number one following the freak accident that left his rival at national level Canizares cursing his luck.

The Valencia number one suffered the heartbreak of missing the tournament when he dropped a bottle of after-shave on his foot.

The Madrid man seized his chance, making a string of saves to put Spain into the last eight following a second-round shootout with Ireland.