Marc Valiente: "Our success is based on the closeness of the group"

A product of La Masía who cut his teeth at a distance from the Liga BBVA, Marc Valiente (Barcelona, 1987) confesses that, as well as feeling like a useful and important member of R. Valladolid CF, he dreams of taking his team back to the Spanish topflight next season. The centre-back, an ardent supporter of Paolo Maldini, spoke to LFP.es about the form of the Blanquivioletas.

LFP.es: The spine of the team has changed a lot compared to last season. How has the club managed to maintain the form despite the changes?

Marc Valiente: Changing and coordinating so many players is difficult, even the manager and the coaching staff are new. At first it takes a while to get to know everyone, to know what we all want and what we are looking for on the pitch, but we have done that quickly and we have to make the most of this form to get results.

"Rubi likes to have the ball and for the team to dominate on the pitch. It’s a style that benefits me" 

LFP.es: What has been the key to this harmony?

Marc Valiente: The newcomers have been very keen and although it is difficult to stay enthusiastic after relegation, we want to make amends. The success is based on the closeness of the whole team. We are a group in which everyone wants to contribute and demonstrate things every day and we are enjoying both the matches and training. 

LFP.es: You have already experienced promotion with Valladolid and, at the moment, you are third. Does this team remind you of the last promotion in 2012?

Marc Valiente: The enthusiasm is the same, but the situation is different. At that time we also had non-sporting issues that affected us and we achieved promotion despite that. This season I see a settled team and, above all, one with more peace of mind. We hope to return to the Liga BBVA and if we can avoid the playoffs, all the better. 

"My idol was Paolo Maldini, then I followed Carles Puyol and now I think the best centre-back is Sergio Ramos" 

LFP.es: Along with Jesús Rueda, you have played more minutes than any other player this season. Do you feel like the team's flag bearer?

Marc Valiente: No, there are no flag bearers in a team like Valladolid. We are a group of 20 professionals who do as we are told and the boss makes the decisions. The competition is very long and you cannot get too comfortable because you play more or start. We always have to be ready to give everything.

LFP.es: How are the fans responding to the team’s start to the season?

Marc Valiente: Although it is always disappointing to get relegated, people have responded very well. They have got behind the team from the start. The membership campaign was very positive and, with the footballing system we have and the enthusiasm to have fun with them, everything will get even better.

LFP.es: In the Liga Adelante there are an increasing number of teams that have defined their own personality and style of football. What are the ideas 'Rubi' looks to impart on the squad?

Marc Valiente: The boss likes to dominate matches, to have the ball and for the team to control the game. But we are also capable of adapting to when that is not the case and the circumstances are different. We suffer and fight together in every match.

LFP.es: I suppose having started your career in La Masía is a benefit when it comes to adapting to that style of football. 

Marc Valiente: Of course. I feel very comfortable with the system. Having the ball and dominating benefit me when it comes to playing, but not just me. It is also the style of a lot of the players on the team and it benefits everyone. 

"Forming part of the Liga Adelante dream team in September makes me proud and it motivates me to keep performing at a high standard"

LFP.es: You captained Leo Messi, Cesc Fàbregas and Gerard Piqué in the lower ranks of FC Barcelona. Who were your idols then and who are they now?

Marc Valiente: My idol was always Paolo Maldini. I used to see qualities in him as a defender and footballer that I had never seen in anyone. Then, when I played at Barcelona, I looked up to Carles Puyol and now I think the best centre-back is Sergio Ramos, he is a different player in that position.

LFP.es: The LFP.es editorial team included you in their September dream team. What does that mean to you? 

Mar Valiente: I'm proud and it motivates me to keep performing at a high standard, but I prefer to be cautious because we've only just started really and you have to perform all the time. Being in the dream team is a nice accolade, but it won’t make me think I’m better than the rest.