Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona has made the first contacts with the agents of Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (26) and Barcelona midfielder Xavi (28) regarding the renewal of their contracts that expire in 2010 (read more here).
Both Catalan players would have reacted positively to the intention of the club to keep them for a longer period and the more concrete renewal negotiations will now start. Xavi, who rejected several offers this summer (read more here), could be offered a new contract until 2013 or 2014.
Read more:
Renewal talks coming up
Renewal offer for Xavi
Tottenham was looking for Valdes agent
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Xavi and Valdés willing to renew
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9 comments:
Xavi and Eto'o are the priority renewals as I'm concerned.
We r one of the few top clubs in Europe that do not have a GK that represents their nation. Valdes is not good enough!!!
Valdes is not our problem. We one the Cl with him in the goal, so let's stop complaining. If everyone on the pitch does his job properly, we can fight for every trophy.
The GK is such an important position, look at cassilas for RM. He saved them so many times from games they should've lost or at least only drawn. We cannot say the same about Valdes, he is not the worst in the World, however he certainly is not world class and tends to lapse in concentration/focus and makes silly mistakes, which a GK should never do. Reliability is what a GK should possesses 1st and foremost.
Valdes had a few notable gaffes, such as in the Liverpool CL home tie two years ago. But he's very solid. There are very few keepers of the likes of Casillas or Buffon out there. Valdes is among the best around. Look at those reflex saves he made in yesterday's match, by way of example.
Regardless of what your views may be on Valdes the fact remains we need to fortify the position and at least have a quality backup for him. Pinto is not a capable backup on a Champions League type team!
That's why I've argued that bringing in a young keeper (Akinfeev, Ochoa)would do two things; 1.) Provide the club with a quality backup should Valdes go down to injury, and 2.) Provide Valdes with some REAL competition for that #1 goalkeeper spot. Having to fight for his spot should motivate Valdes even more and prevent him from having his usual "lapses".
How is it fair that the rest of the Starting XI have to fight for their place on the pitch but Valdes doesn't? That's why I feel that when a player is pushed to perform for fear of losing his spot he's going to fight for it even harder.
Also as I've mentioned before Xavi and Puyol should be given priority in signing. They ARE Barcelona football! Followed close by Eto'o with Marquez and Valdes at the back of the train.
Even though Pinto isn't that great, he is still competition for Valdes. Don't think that if Valdes makes mistake after mistake that they won't hesitate to give Pinto a try in goal. I'm kind of on the opposite end of the argument as I have always liked Valdes. Yeah he makes mistakes but for all those mistakes he has also made big saves and nobody can deny that. Yeah it would be nice to have a Casillas or Bufon caliber keeper, but come on...those are few and far between and Valdes has performed respectfully.
We can bitch all we want, but the fact is that Valdes will remain with the first team and theres not a damn thing anyone of us can do anything about it. I personally like Valdes so im fine with this renewal. and to his credit he DESERVES a spot on the national squad.
not saying hes a starter for Spain (obviously) but hes AT LEAST earned that third spot in the Spain squad. With Aragones gone, he might get the chance.
Everyone STOP bitching and dammit support your Barça goalie ...if you want casillas then go cheer for Real Shit! im staying with Valdes at Barça!
It's not a question of supporting or not supporting Valdes. It's a question of how much faith do you have in him considering that the facts support that he had a shaky season last term to say the least.
Now it wasn't all his falt, the defense in front of him collapsed - especially towards the end. But he was far from the "consistent" Valdes we are used to seeing.
I never argued nor expected Valdes to be like Casillas or Buffon. Those are the best of the best. Rather I would like to see Valdes make the saves that any competent goalkeeper should make and not have a lump in my throat everytime a shot on goal comes his way.
One thing that is definite true is that he has to pick it up this season. As I mentioned before he had a less than stellar campaign last season and defensive liabilities aside he has to take some blame and responsibility for it.
Valdes is far from a scrub, he is a good, competent keeper but he has far too many lapses at the most critical times in a match. I don't expect him to make every save but I do expect him to make the saves that are expected of him. Hopefully with a revamped defense in front of him he won't have to be called upon to save the day as often.
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