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Rafael Benitez backs Keylor Navas to prove mettle in Iker Casillas absence

Rafael Benitez says that Keylor Navas has enough quality to be Real Madrid's number one goalkeeper.

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has backed goalkeeper Keylor Navas to fill the void left by veteran Iker Casillas between the sticks.

Casillas ended his 16-year senior career at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer by joining Porto, before the Blancos signed Kiko Casilla from Espanyol to rival the Costa Rican.

Nevertheless, Navas was handed the number one shirt by Benitez, who says that the 28-year-old has enough quality to start regularly following the 4-1 pre-season win over Manchester City.

"I think so, yes, we wanted to give him the chance to play and prove himself and he has done well," he told reporters.

"I only need one goalkeeper on each match, and as long as I have one, I'm happy."

Navas, who was signed last summer on the back of an impressive World Cup campaign, started 10 games in all competitions last term.

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Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas formerly at Levante poses before a press conference for his official presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 5, 2014
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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