Valdes: An honor for goalkeepers if Casillas won the Ballon d'Or
Victor Valdes has stated that if Iker Casillas won the Fifa Ballon d'Or it would be an honor for goalkeepers.
The Clasico opposite numbers put club rivalries aside this summer as both were included in the victorious La Roja squad that won Euro 2012. After Casillas skippered his side to glory in Poland and Ukraine, the Real Madrid man is being touted by some as a main contender for the individual accolade, something that Valdes feels would be justified.
It would be an honor to have a goalkeeper win the Ballon d’Or,” the Barca shot-stopper told Brazilian media. “However there are others who can win it also. [Andres] Iniesta I am very fond of and I am very happy for the recognition and awards that he has received."
Valdes went on to point out that Spain’s style of play was similar to Barcelona, and gave some words of support to new Blaugrana coach Tito Vilanova.
“I think the philosophy of the Barcelona game has become very attractive over the past four years, and now Spain play in a similar way. It is normal because a lot of the Barcelona players play for Spain.
“Under Vilanova there will not be a big change. It is time to be smart and know that after [Pep] Guardiola there is another stage. I'm very confident because we know Tito very well,” he continued.
Finally, the goalkeeper discussed the potential of Brazilian attacker Neymar, who has been linked with a move to both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past.
"Neymar is an unusual talent. He does things that are hard to track. He is a player any team would want,” Valdes concluded.