(In his press conference last week, Brendan denied all knowledge of this player. Dont believe him!) Liverpools next signing? Three-times Champions League winner assessed Liverpool have been linked with a move for Champions League winning goalkeeper and here, football stats experts WhoScored analyse whether it would be a good deal for the Redmen. Back in March, Victor Valdés’ Barcelona career was prematurely cut short. The goalkeeper, who last May confirmed he would depart Camp Nou at the end of the 2013/14 season, slipped after saving a Fábian Orellana free kick, tearing his Anterior cruciate ligament early on in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo. It was a heartbreaking end to a 19-year spell with the club for a goalkeeper who had become synonymous with the Blaugrana. His injury meant a move to Monaco fell through, but the French club’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain. The Reds have long been in the market for a backup for Simon Mignolet after Pepe Reina’s loan move to Napoli last season, and subsequent permanent move to Bayern over the summer, and they could do worse than sign Valdés. Valdés’ WhoScored rating (6.93) was bettered only by Keylor Navas (7.27) and Roberto (7.02) of all goalkeepers to feature at least 15 times in La Liga last season. When compared to Mignolet (6.69), Valdés was the stronger performer of the two in their respective leagues last term. Barcelona may have been a more dominant side than Liverpool, but the Spaniard is clearly a reliable goalkeeper when needed, reinforced in his impressive save success rate (76.7%) from the 2013/14 campaign. With that in mind, some may feel he would deserve a starting spot for the Reds rather than playing second fiddle to Mignolet when he returns to fitness, should the Reds firm up their reported interest in the Spain international. With the help of his defence, Valdés has kept 74 clean sheets since the beginning of the 2009/10 season, more than any other goalkeeper in the same time period. Despite being behind a backline that was rarely troubled by the opposition, such is Barcelona’s stature in Spain, Valdés’ goalkeeping exploits are not to be sniffed at. Since establishing himself as their number 1 in 2002, the goalkeeper has become one of the most recognisable names in the game and his acquisition would be a real statement of intent. Valdés would add some much-needed strength in depth to Brendan Rodgers’ side. The Merseysiders will return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2009/10 season next week and it’s possible Liverpool could play upwards of 60 games this term, depending on how they progress in Europe, the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. Brad Jones is far from a sturdy stand in for Mignolet and should the Belgian succumb to suspension or injury, Valdés, upon his return to action, would provide ample competition to the number 1 spot at Anfield. Liverpool already have one very good goalkeeper on their books, but the chance to add a second should not be turned down. In a defence that is prone to lapses in concentration, a commanding presence in the 18-yard box will go a long way to significantly bolstering the back four. Valdés is widely regarded as one of the best shotstoppers in the game and though the former Barcelona star is not expected to be fit until November this year, Liverpool would be wise to move for the free agent. talksport
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:00:00 +0000
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