Spain's substitute goalkeeper is even better than Gianluigi Buffon, according to Aritz Aduriz.

The Athletic Bilbao striker put Iker Casillas in exalted company, even though the Porto player has yet to start a game at Euro 2016.

Aduriz also praised David De Gea for his performances of late, while commenting on the strength of his character after being accused of sexual abuse.

"David is a super person, very quiet, but we must be cautious with these sort of things.

"David faces everything with an overwhelming serenity.

"With regards to football, he plays at a high level and gives us an incredible security."

When asked about De Gea's understudy, Aduriz said that Casillas is "even above" the level of the great Buffon, who they will have to beat on Monday to make it to the quarter-finals.

"(Italy) have a very clear way of playing and we have a few days to train to try and counter it."

Buffon has yet to concede a goal in the two games he has played at the European Championship, while Spain have scored 1.6 goals per game in the tournament.