Víctor Valdés knows that his saves have made him a fundamental component of the team even though the goal conceded against Getafe broke a run of five clean sheets.

On the day that handball star David Barrufet announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season, Víctor Valdés spoke to reporters after training. Valdés has a good few years to go to match Barrufet’s achievements but day by day he is demonstrating just why he is the undisputed king of the Barça goal.

In form

Víctor Valdés doesn’t like talking about himself and usually deflects all the praise in the direction of his team-mates. However, this Monday he told reporters. “I’m happy with my current form”.

Zamora trophy for the squad

Despite conceding a goal against Getafe, Valdés still has the best record in La Liga and is leading the fight for the Zamora trophy. Barça have conceded just 11 goals in 21 matches and according to Valdés: “We work really well in defence. From the first forward to the goalkeeper. It’s a system we work on a lot”.

The defence against Atletico

Josep Guardiola will be without Alves (injured), Piqué and Márquez (suspended) for next Sunday’s match against Atletico and so will have to improvise a new defensive line-up. Valdés admitted today: “These are important absences but the men who play will do a good job. I have no doubt”.

Playing and winning

Víctor Valdés dismissed all talk of alleged favouritism from the referees: “These are factors outside of sport. We dedicate ourselves to training and on Sunday we’ll try and produce a good performance and take the three points”.

No time to relax

In the Getafe match, Barça had to play with just ten men from the 25th minute. The team showed courage and ended up beating Michel’s team 2-1. According to Valdés: “Intensity is one of the key elements. The secret is that the coaching staff don’t allow us to relax”.

Barrufet a reference point

Víctor Valdés also referred to handball goalkeeper David Barrufet, who today announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season: “You have to recognize everything’s he done for the Club. He’s a reference point and his career will be very difficult to equal”.