11 years have passed since Victor Valdes, 20 years old, debuted in Spanish Premier League in a match against Atlético de Madrid in Camp Nou, with Louis van Gaal as the coach. In his first year as a rookie, he switched his place with the titular goalkeeper, Roberto Oscar Bonano, in addition to follow playing at FC Barcelona B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be the starter goalkeeper in the main team is really a difficult task, and even more so taking a demarcation as momentous as the keeper. However, Victor faced such adversity and he only needed one year and a half to gain the trust of his coach. A successful challenge, as for the club spent three different coaches: Louis van Gaal, Radomir Antic and Frank Rijkaard. The last one was who put him as the starter goalkeeper.

 

The sporting success came very early. In his first entire season as the starter goalkeeper (2004-2005), Valdés won his first Zamora trophy as the scored less goalkeeper of the Spanish Premier League, a significant milestone that helped Barça to be the champion. The next season is remembered by the won Champions in Paris.

 

The last two seasons of Frank Rijkaard as Barça’s coach aren’t actually remembered with gladness. Despite this, in most of the disputed matches during this time, Víctor Valdés interventions were crucial to avoid worse results. During Josep Guardiola stage as the coach, from the 15 trophies won highlight the two Champions and the three consecutives Leagues, where Valdés also won Zamora’s trophy. Moreover, he won this trophy in 2011-2012 season, although his team didn’t win the Spanish Premier League.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Guardiol’s stage and also Tito Vilanova’s season highlight the fact that, due to the Barça’s style of play, the opposing team stepped Valdés area rarely. The responsibility that goalkeeper must have is higher, because we expect a success in the unique intervention of the match. In the field, Víctor Valdés has amply demonstrated his quality in this type of play.

 

In the current season, Víctor Valdés has started in a high level, stopping two penalties in two consecutive matches among other merit interventions. This shows the versatility of this player, able to adapt himself to the new circumstances.

 

It’s clear that Valdés is one of the best goalkeepers of Barça’s history, perhaps he is the best. We really appreciate Víctor, although some times the fans have had disagreements before him. For this reason, and because we think Valdés is the best goalkeeper that Barça could have nowadays, through this initiative we want to request Víctor’s contract renewal.