Victor Valdes' guide to collecting crosses

Having a goalkeeper who flaps at crosses is a major chink in the armour of any defence.

Whether they stay rooted to the line or recklessly charge off it, a goalkeeper that doesn’t command his box loses the trust of their defence.

And if the opposition notice the hapless custodian can’t claim crosses, they’re going to exploit that weakness by bombarding the box with high balls.

The ability to dominate the skies with dexterity and confidence is an essential skill for any goalkeeper. An essential skill, Barcelona goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, spends a lot of time improving.

The Spanish shot-stopper says the key to seizing upon a cross is not just your handling skills, but your ability to protect yourself and the ball.

“You should always try and protect your body with your knee,” he told FFT.

“Another important thing is when you catch the ball, you immediately get it to a safe place because there might be opponents around who could knock the ball out of your grasp.”

Whatever level you play, use this training video with Valdes to help you guard the penalty box and neutralise the opposition's aerial threat.

Victor Valdes in an ambassador for Penalty, the only genuine Brazilian football brand in the UK. Products are now available to purchase from Pro Direct Soccer. For information visitwww.penalty.com.br

Also see:
Victor Valdes' guide to shot-stopping
Victor Valdes' guide to winning one-on-ones
Victor Valdes' guide to handling
Victor Valdes' guide to distribution

Latest in
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Ipswich Town third kit for 2024/25 season
'The pink kit was quite divisive to begin with: a lot of people were unsure of it but I think the Tottenham game has cemented it as this epic kit' Ed Sheeran talks about designing Ipswich shirt - and how it ties into his music
Latest in News
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Ipswich Town third kit for 2024/25 season
'The pink kit was quite divisive to begin with: a lot of people were unsure of it but I think the Tottenham game has cemented it as this epic kit' Ed Sheeran talks about designing Ipswich shirt - and how it ties into his music
Stuart Pearce Non-League Day
'It’s absolutely essential that funding drips down from the top end of the game – there is a disconnect' Stuart Pearce takes the Premier League trophy back to his non-league roots