FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.05.2007 17:35

Valdés: 150th league game in Anoeta

Miriam Nadal

Víctor Vakdes will make his 150th league appearance for FC Barcelona in the game against Real Sociedad on Saturday after celebrating his 200th game for the club in all competitions against Levante last weekend.

It was ten years ago that the goalkeeper signed for the Blaugrana from Las Cinco Copa Supporters' Club. Family reasons then saw him move to Tenerife for three years before returning to Catalunya and to Barça. In Anoeta, Valdés will not be able to reflect on an incredible decade that has seen him rise through the ranks at Camp Nou and make 150 appearances in la Primera for the first team, and 50 matches in other competitions too.

His early years

The 25-year-old custodian made his debut for FC Barcelona on September 1, 2002 against Atlético de Madrid after some distinguished performances in the club's youth and B teams. Aged just 20 he was promoted to play in goal and quickly showed that he would not be over-awed by the responsibility that comes with showing your class in the Barça side. That season he played 14 games as he alternated with Argentinian veteran Roberto Bonano. Under coach Radomir Antic, Valdés finished the season as the club's number one choice.

Number one

During the 2003-04 campaign, the youngster made the goalkeeper's position his own as his performances grew stronger and stronger and he became recognised as having true potential. Valdés was one of the key reasons why Barça finished as runners-up in the league that year. He missed only three league games and 57 minutes of a fourth, when Rüstu Recber stepped in, throughout the term thanks to sending off. It was to be the first of three red cards that he has incurred during his career so far.

Personal recognition

It was in the 2004-05 season that Valdés would become a real member of the elite as he was finally seen as one of the best keepers in Europe. Barça won the league title and the L'Hospitalet-born stopper won his first individual award as he was awarded the Zamora Trophy, the trophy given to the best goalkeeper in the Spanish league. He was honoured having conceded just 25 goals in 35 matches and won the award ahead of many keeper's with a great deal more experience then him.

Key player

The following year, 2005-06, was a glorious year for all concerned with the Blaugrana as the club won the Spanish title and the Champions League. Valdés was, again, one of the key players in the team both domestically and in Europe. The outstanding memory of the campaign, regarding Valdés, came in the Champions League Final in Paris against Arsenal when he made several dramatic save to keeper Barça in the game and eventually allow them to win the trophy.

Most minutes

This term, Valdés has played the most minutes in the league out of the whole first team squad. With 32 games under his belt, he has showed just how highly rated he is at Camp Nou. Valdés has been praised for his solidity and strength and on Saturday he will be able to look proudly back at 150 appearances in the top flight for the club, only days after making it 200 games in all competitions.