Iker Casillas has hailed Keylor Navas as a “fantastic” goalkeeper following the Costa Rican’s impressive rise to Real Madrid No 1 this season.

Casillas’ departure to Porto in the summer paved the way for Navas to stake his claim in the Madrid goal, a chance he duly took as he started the season with a club-record five clean sheets, and the Blancos legend is delighted for his former teammate.

“[On Rafa Benitez], from what I’ve seen, because I can’t say any more than that, the squad have yet to fully adapt [to his methods],” he was quoted as saying by Marca.

“New players have joined and are obliged to give their all, but as games pass, I believe the squad will improve [due to understanding the Coach better].

“Either way, [Madrid] remain on the right path and will certainly be among the teams who normally vie for trophies.

“Keylor’s doing fantastically well and having a very good season. It’s not an easy position, but Keylor – thanks to his seniority and performances – is doing well.

“I hope he continues doing very well because that’ll make the team do well.

“I’m glad because Real Madrid need a top goalkeeper and hopefully they have one in Keylor. I hope Kiko Casilla does great too if he’s picked.

“I won’t be watching them, however. I won trophies and was able to do my bit for the team, but my time at Real Madrid is in the past.”