World Cup 2010: Barcelona's Victor Valdes backed to go to South Africa with Spain

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes in-form goalkeeper Victor Valdes deserves to be part of Spain's World Cup squad this summer.

In the running: Joan Laporta believes Spain cannot overlook Victor Valdes for the World Cup given his exceptional season
Valdes, 28, has yet to win an international cap at senior level for Spain but he is making a strong case to be part of Vicente Del Bosque's party to South Africa with some fine performances this season.

Barcelona's 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna last night [Wednesday] saw Valdes keep his 18th clean sheet in 32 league games, and with just 19 goals conceded all campaign he looks on course to win his third Zamora trophy as the leading goalkeeper in La Liga, having also won it in 2005 and last season.

Iker Casillas and Jose Reina are confirmed first and second-choice goalkeepers for Spain's World Cup 2010 squad, but Laporta feels Valdes should also be on the plane to South Africa.

"He's the best goalkeeper in the league. There's no doubt that he deserves it. I would like to see him at the World Cup in South Africa. Everybody can see it and he deserves this reward," said Laporta.