Casillas: Modric is at Real Madrid's level

Posted Monday, July 30, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Iker Casillas believes Luka Modric can not only match Real Madrid's current skill level but improve the team.

Reports in Croatia suggest the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker could make his switch to Real Madrid official as soon as Monday for a move worth an alleged 35 million pounds.

Casillas was asked about Modric at a press conference on UCLA's campus after Madrid's first training session since arriving in the United States.

“I know him,” Casillas said through a translator. “It's been some time that he's been a player at Tottenham, and he has been in the eyes of the world. At the last Euro Cup he was there. He's a very good player.”

Can Modric perform “at the level of Real Madrid”?

“I believe that he's there,” the captain of Spain's Euro 2012-winning squad said.

Any personnel decisions are for Jose Mourinho, of course, and Casillas refers to his coach as Mister.

“Mister can form this team and if he's a player that will reinforce us we're enchanted,” Casillas said. “Enchanted to have him in our group and take another step forward in this next season.”

The 31-year-old goalkeeper was also asked if he needs another defender to slot in front of him.

“Wait a minute. I'm not the one you should ask that,” he pointed out. “I believe that our defense is very well covered.”