Cape Town - Spain manager Vicente del Bosque is confident that captain Iker Casillas will make a meaningful contribution to this year’s World Cup campaign, despite not playing a considerable amount of football last season.
Casillas, who was the star performer during Spain’s successful campaign in 2010, only represented Real Madrid in cup competitions last season. However, Del Bosque is adamant that Casillas’ international experience will stand the whole team in good stead this year.
"Fortune smiles on him. He's won the [World] Cup and the Champions League," Del Bosque said on Radio Marca this week.
"This is his fourth World Cup and he will convey that leadership," added Del Bosque.
However, the Spanish manager insists that this year’s campaign will not be a one-man show, adding that there was considerable depth in the squad and that not all the responsibility will fall on Casillas’ shoulder.
"Everyone's worked hard and is in good shape. We'll pick whoever we think is best for this game. We have a number of alternatives and it's hard for us to leave so many [players] on the bench," he said.
"Their conduct has been exemplary and their attitude is great. I'm chuffed with how we've worked over the last three weeks of training," added Del Bosque.
The most positive news perhaps is that Atletico Madrid talisman Diego Costa is making a steady recovery and expected to feature prominently during the group phase of the tournament.
"Diego Costa has got better and better. The test in the friendly against El Salvador went well."