Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has laughed off suggestions that Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas should be dropped for La Roja's next World Cup match against Chile.

Casillas came in for criticism following Spain's 5-1 defeat to Netherlands in their World Cup opener on Friday, but Fabregas has insisted that the skipper must remain between the sticks.

"Casillas is different from the rest. He has something," AS reports Fabregas as saying.

"He has demonstrated that with Real Madrid. In the important moments he is always there. He is the absolute leader and must be between the sticks."

Fabregas is pushing for a start against Chile after being left out of the XI for the Netherlands clash.