Spain national coach Vincente Del Bosque has backed goalkeeper David de Gea to emulate the success of Iker Casillas.

The Spanish coach faces a difficult choice as both goalkeepers battle for the number one spot in the national squad ahead of Euro 2016.

"He has the ability to emulate Casillas, yes," Del Bosque said about De Gea.

"We forget sometimes that he has spent four or five seasons as Manchester United's goalkeeper.

"And if you look at the other keepers they've had, that's la leche [the business] - this is the goal defended by [Peter] Schmeichel, [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Fabien] Barthez: three great goalkeepers.

"Then along comes this kid and, bit by bit, establishes himself. But look, it's very difficult to do what Iker has done, in terms of quality and quantity."