Victor Valdes regards David de Gea as the best goalkeeper in the world and admits he will find it hard to dislodge his compatriot from the Manchester United starting XI.
Valdes completed his free transfer to United on Thursday, signing an 18-month deal which could be extended by another year.
Valdes spent the majority of his 12-year spell at Barcelona as first choice, but Louis van Gaal made it clear the 32-year-old will start off as De Gea's deputy. "He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper,'' the United boss said.
Valdes has won three UEFA Champions Leagues, six Spanish titles and has lifted the Copa del Rey on two occasions, but there is a good reason why he will start his United career on the bench.
De Gea has enjoyed a superb season, saving United on several occasions, most notably against Everton, Stoke and Tottenham.
Valdes has been so impressed with his compatriot's performances that he now rates him above the likes of Manuel Neuer, Thibaut Courtois, Joe Hart and Iker Casillas.
"I think now, in the moment, (De Gea) is the best goalkeeper in the world," Valdes told MUTV. "His performances every day and in every game shows everybody that his level is very high. He has had a great year and it is very nice."
Valdes does not appear to have any qualms about being De Gea's deputy. "I am here to help everybody,'' he said.
"Always in my career, I have played to help my team-mates, to help my coach and to help everybody. I am a part of the team and I am not a problem, I am just a part of the team."
Source: FIFA.com