Victor Valdes Arribas

Víctor Valdés joined Barca as a youngster on 1st July 1992, from Peña Cinco Copas.

In September of the same year he moved with his family to Tenerife and didn't rejoin the club until three years later.

After quickly proving his worth with the youth teams and Barca B, the club coaches decided that the 2002-2003 season was to be Valdés time to form part of the first team squad. At first, he alternated appearances with Roberto Bonano but finished the season as regular first choice under Radomir Antic.

He consolidated his place as in the starting line-up in the 2003-04 season. He played most of Barca's matches that season and put in some excellent performances, helping the team to finish as runners-up.

CHARACTERISTICS

He is an extremely agile and powerful goalkeeper. Despite his comparative youth, he likes to lead and command his defence. He has much in common with German international Oliver Kahn, of whom he is a great admirer.

In his first season he was occasionally uncertain when coming off his line but soon ironed out this weakness in his second season. He has enormous potential and was considered for the Spain squad for EURO 2004, finally losing out to Athletic Bilbao's Aranzubia.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Individual Awards
2004-05 Spanish League Zamora