Victor Valdés is one of those players that supporters always hold especially close to their hearts – the local lad playing for his ‘own’ team. Catalan through and through and a true fanatic of FC Barcelona, Valdés was signed in 1992 – at 10 years of age – and has worked his way up through the ranks to the first team, making the goalkeeper’s spot his own – to see his legendary talent you can buy FC Barcelona Tickets online.
Valdés, like his counterpart in the Real Madrid team, Iker Casillas, made his way through the youth team and was given the opportunity of first team football earlier than would have been predicted.
In fact, joining the first team squad for the 2002-2003 season, Valdés became a regular in his second year – keeping out the Turkish import, Rustu Recber. The next season saw Valdés awarded the Zamora Trophy – annual award for the goalkeeper with the best stats in La Liga.
To begin with, Valdés was often criticised by the media. Obviously inexperienced and showing reluctance to leave his goal line or really command his defenders, many observers thought he was the weakest link of the Barcelona team. Gradually, however, he won over his critics. Internationally, he will perhaps be remembered for two fabulous saves from current team mate Thierry Henry when Barça beat Arsenal in the Champions’ league Final of 2006.
It was the 2005 – 2006 season in general that ensured Valdés was accepted more by the football pundits of Spain as well as the Barcelona supporters. Helping the team win the outstanding double of Champions’ League and La Liga, Valdés truly came of age, with some memorable performances.
His temperament has always been perhaps his strongest asset – enabling him to quickly put aside the inevitable mistakes goalkeepers make and get on with the job at all times. He continues to develop his reputation and to pass new milestones.
Although, of course, Barcelona fans, los culos, adore the goalscoring exploits of Messi, they always reserve a special place for Victor Valdés – they feel that he is ‘their’ representative in the team – the local lad made good.
Victor Valdés would certainly be a hard act to follow in the eyes of the FC Barcelona faithful.
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