Catalancs wrote:
He's constantly criticised and i don't think he deserves half of it. I think he's underrated, mainly by people who watch a handfull of La Lliga games each year. It's just my opinion of course.
He's constantly criticized because, a bit like either of their left backs, he's generally the weakest link amongst a team of superstars. As a goalkeeper, he isn't outstanding IMO. He makes some odd decisions, he's never convinced me as 'safe' and, in spite of his impressive clean sheet record in Spain, he's never looked anywhere near as good as Reina or even Casillas. I hate using international selection as evidence/defence, but Valdes has hardly featured during his career, not even as third choice, which says a lot when you consider the Barca core in the international side.
He's a solid player, but could easily be replaced by plenty of 'keepers in Europe, whilst they could easily better him, too, but it's probably not needed as they can get away with solidity in goal given how they play.
