Sergio Ramos: "Iker Casillas is still the best keeper in the world"

Sergio Ramos assessed Iker Casillas’ return to Real Madrid’s starting XI more than six months after his last appearance and said that, in his opinion, the Madrid-born shot stopper "is still the best keeper in the world."

"It was great. Seeing him behind the defence is nothing new to me. In our opinion he’s still the best keeper in the world and in that sense he has our full backing. Several players have been pushing hard for a place in the starting XI and you have to give Diego López credit for what he did last season," the defender said in the press area at the Dodger Stadium.

"We have to forget Mou’s reign and focus on what Ancelotti wants to instil in us. This system is nothing new to us, but he wants to get the best out of each player," he said. Ramos admitted that the Italian has brought "a different philosophy", one which plays the ball more.

"We have amazingly talented players and we have to adapt to the system. We have players who can make a difference, break teams down, receive the ball with their back to goal and turn well. We have a great squad," he said. Regarding the presence of so many young players and academy graduates, he said: "It’s always good to bring in players who know the club and know what it means to wear this badge. If you don’t know what it means, you learn quickly here. You have to make the most of the opportunities you’re given because you usually only get one chance."