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Pique defends 'keeper following Slovakia loss: 'Casillas is the best in the world at his position'

Reuters

The criticism of Spanish legend Iker Casillas continues to mount and the bullish attitude of his teammates in defending him is following suit.

Casillas was the centre of attention once again this week after a terrible error against Slovakia contributed to Spain's 2-1 loss in Euro 2016 qualifying – the team's first loss in a qualifier of any kind since 2006.

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Once a staple in the debate over who is the best goalkeeper in the world, this latest blunder is the latest in a series of high-profile mistakes, including one during Spain's shocking 5-1 loss to the Netherlands at the World Cup and another in the Champions League final last season that nearly cost Real Madrid the title.

But despite the increasing evidence that the 33-year-old's skills are diminishing, his teammates remain quick to leap to his defense.

Gerard Pique said Casillas was "beyond debate," when asked about his place on the team and dismissed the surprising loss as a mere blip.

"Casillas is the best in the world at his position and he has showed that for many years," Pique said. "Having him as a teammate and as our captain is wonderful. We have to think that qualifying is a long process and that he is more than capable."

Manager Vicente del Bosque has not revealed if Casillas will get the start once again on Sunday against Luxembourg. That said, it would be a surprise if he were to bench the Spanish captain, considering a seemingly straightforward contest against an inferior opponent could be a good way for Casillas to fly under the radar and put in a good performance without needing to be spectacular.

However, if he does play and goes on to make another howling mistake, del Bosque will be in a very difficult position. David De Gea's time is coming, it's just a matter of when.

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