| He is the most successful goalkeeper in Barcelona's history and is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having won a total of 17 titles including five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, and one Copa del Rey title. He also has won the Zamora Trophy a record four times. Before joining the full team in 2002--03 season, Valdés played for the youth teams and FC Barcelona B. Currently, he has a contract with Barcelona until 2014. The goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. The goalkeeper is the only player who is permitted to touch the ball with his hands or arms in open play (within his own penalty area). Each team is required to have a goalkeeper on the field at all times during a match. |
