Victor Valdes says it would be an honour for goalkeepers if Spain’s Iker Casillas won the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid shot-stopper Casillas and his Barcelona counterpart Valdes put club rivalries aside to help Spain retain their European Championship crown at Euro 2012.
After Casillas skippered his side to glory in Poland and Ukraine, the Real Madrid man is being touted by some as a contender for the World Player of the Year, an accolade Valdes feels would be justified.
“It would be an honour to have a goalkeeper win the Ballon d’Or,” the Barca shot-stopper said.
“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 added, referring to his Barca team-mate.
Valdes pointed out the similarities between Spain’s style of play and Barcelona’s, and also gave some words of support to new Barca 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,” he said.
“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.”
Finally, the goalkeeper discussed the potential of Brazilian attacker Neymar, who has been linked with a move to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“Neymar is an unusual talent,” he said.
“He does things that are hard to track. He is a player any team would want.”
