Valdes Hoping To Make World Cup Squad
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says he would love to be included in the Spain squad for the World Cup but admits he faces strong competition.
has been in excellent form in recent times for Barca and played an important role in helping the club win six trophies last year, but he has yet to be included in the Spain squad under current coach Vicente Del Bosque.
However, Del Bosque recently said that "Victor has earned the possibility of playing for Spain" and many feel that his form means he must be included in the 23-man squad that travels to South Africa. Valdes, though, knows he faces plenty of competition and is not getting carried away at this stage.
"It would be great and a source of great pride, but you have to be aware of the high standard of goalkeepers in Spain," he said. "You can see that on any day. There are some great goalkeepers and it's very difficult for the national coach to choose three out of so many.
"It's complicated, but that kind of comment makes me proud. It's like a prize for continuing to work. As a professional footballer, you always have to think about winning international caps. Whether or not it happens depends on many things."
At the age of 28, Valdes is now in the form of his life. Having previously faced criticism from supporters and the media, he is now the subject of praise, even if that makes him uncomfortable.
"People that know me know that I don't like praise. And I believe that on a collective level, praise isn't as good as it might seem from the outside."
Valdes believes feels Barca coach Pep Guardiola is responsible for his transformation: "Pep is the secret to everything we're achieving. He has taught me to enjoy myself out on the pitch."
Valdes, who has become the most successful goalkeeper in Barcelona's history with three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and one Copa del Rey, has received just one call up to the senior Spain squad, when Luis Aragones invited him to train in August 2005 due to an injury to Iker Casillas. Some believe his strong personality has led to his exclusion from the squad in the past.
Article taken from: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/ ... ver=global
) that he can perform against World Class players while Casillas couldn't, also take into account he currently plays for the best club in the world, Casillas + Valdes on the plane, Reina out!
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