Understudy Valdes happy to keep spirits high within the Spain camp

Jun 20, 2012 8:00:00 PM

The keeper revealed that he is ready for a starting role as soon as his coach sees fit to select him, while suggesting Benzema will be the main threat when La Roja play France

Victor Valdes has insisted that he will help out his Spain team-mates in any way possible while he waits for a first-team opportunity.

With Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina to call on, Vicente del Bosque has arguably three of the best goalkeepers in the world at his disposable.

Therefore, the Barce man has had to settle for the title of understudy to the Real Madrid stopper for best part of his career, but he has stressed that he can still help the team off the field while waiting for his chance.

"My role in the Spain squad is the same as when I was first picked," he told reporters.

"I'm a professional, 100%, and I work for the good of everyone around me. I want to bring everything I've got to this tournament and our group here.

"I know that the coach completely believes in me and if I'm called upon I'll be ready. Until then my job is to help in any way, to create a good atmosphere and to be ready."

La Roja will play France in their Euro 2012 quarter-final after Laurent Blanc's side finished second in Group D following their loss to Sweden on Tuesday.

Valdes indicated that he expects Les Bleus to stretch the play horizontally, and highlighted Karim Benzema's link-up play as their main attacking threat.

"My experience is that France, from the midfield onwards especially, are a team that likes to get the ball wide, to create dangerous attacks and to play creatively.

"Benzema is one of the most dangerous strikers in the world and what stands out is his ability to shake off defenders one way or another.

"While [Franck] Ribery and [Samir] Nasri are also dangerous opponents, it's the fact that Benzema has good link-up play, individual skill and that he finishes so well which makes him such a threat."

The game in Donetsk kicks off at 20:45CET on Saturday.

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