The 27-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu, believes the ex-Sevilla man will cause a selection headache for Jose Mourinho

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has praised Real Madrid’s decision to sign Diego Lopez from Sevilla in January.

The 27-year-old, who has himself been linked with a move to los Blancos, believes Lopez is now pushing Iker Casillas to become first-choice in the side.

“They made a great decision signing Diego Lopez. He is proving that the club was right to sign him,” he told AS.

“There is no doubt he is producing great performances, and I don’t know if Casillas is fit enough at the moment. I don’t know what Mourinho’s decision [on team selection] would be.”

When discussing the rumours that Madrid were planning a bid for him, Jimenez believes that, although it is flattering to be linked with such a huge club, he is not a big enough name.

“Real Madrid can buy any goalkeeper they want. I suppose that they had a great deal of names, and maybe mine was among them. Sometimes it’s nice to see that they have recognised you,” he went on.

Jimenez was also quick to compliment the current quality and depth of Spanish goalkeepers, including Casillas, Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina, David De Gea and Lopez.

“We are creating good goalkeepers and contributing to profesional football with a lot of players,” he added. “It’s a great job from the bottom up.

“There is a great school with great coaches. They are helping create many good goalkeepers and are contributing greatly to professional football. Everything comes from below.”