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FC Barcelona Grades: Victor Valdes, Jose Manuel Pinto, Oier Olazabal

The new season is virtually here, so we will quickly recap how the players performed last season. First, the goalkeepers.

Alex Livesey

Victor Valdes

Valdes had a bittersweet season. For the majority of the term, Valdes was back to his best. Seemingly intent on silencing his critics in his final year in Barcelona, Valdes pulled off a series of brilliant performances. However, when the team needed him most, Valdes was out due to a bad injury toward the end of the season. He cannot be blamed, but Barca suffered without him and let slip all competitions.

Grade: A, when he played

Jose Manuel Pinto

Pinto was given more playing time than expected with Valdes's injury. He was steady but far below the standard of Valdes. Clearly not as talented with the ball at his feet, Pinto was pressured every time he received a backpass. Barca's overall rhythm took a hit due to this. He was also prone to brave/crazy antics, like dribbling by an opposing player and making a short pass to a midfielder when Barcelona were a goal away from being eliminated in the Liga.

Grade: C+, did an OK job, but there's a reason he's not being renewed.

Oier Olazabal

Oier had no time to show his stuff, as he was third-choice. Due to Valdes's injury, Oier did get to the bench more. On the whole, it seems he did not impress in training to either get more playing time or convince the management to retain him for another year.

Grade: No grade

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