FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.11.2007 11:26

Valdés equals Velasco

Sergi Nogueras

In the game against Recreativo, Víctor Valdés equalled Velasco as the fifth Barça goalkeeper with most league appearances, a total of 168.

He’s only 25, but he’s already one of the Barça goalkeepers with most league appearances. Víctor Valdés has made his 168th appearance in the Barça goal, equalling Velasco, who played for the club from 1942 to 1954.

His career at Barça

Víctor Valdés made his league debut for Barça on September 1st 2002, when Louis Van Gaal was still in charge, at Nou Camp against Atlético de Madrid and ended in a 2-2 draw. He went on to play in 14 games that season, but it wasn’t until the following 2003-04 season, with Rijkaard in charge, that Valdés became a regular in the team, with 33 league caps.

In the following two seasons he played 35 games in each, and reached 38 last season. So far this season, he’s played in 13 league games.

Four legends to beat

Only four Barça legends have played more games: Artola, Sadurní, Ramallets and Zubizarreta. Artola played in 186 between 75-76 and 83-84. Sadurní played in 247 between 61-62 and 75-76.

In second place is Antoni Ramallets with 288 between 47-48 and 60-61. And finally, the record holder is Andoni Zubizarreta with 301 between 86-87 and 93-94.