Cillessen's route to Valencia CF

New Valencia CF signing Jasper Cillessen is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers around, thanks to his spectacular saves for the likes of FC Barcelona and the Dutch national team. Whilst he wanted to be a shot-stopper from a young age, he did make a brief attempt at playing outfield as a child.

However, aged nine, he had his eventual objective firmly in his sights. It was one that he wrote down in his notebook: “I want to be the best goalkeeper in the world.” The Dutchman set about making it a reality with complete dedication to the task.

Cillessen was born in the east of the Netherlands, and started out his career at De Treffers. Coincidentally, like Valencia CF that club also celebrate 100 years of existence in 2019, and the goalkeeper went back there shortly before his signing for VCF to participate in their Centenary celebrations.

Aged 13, he was recruited by the NEC Nijmegen Academy in his hometown, and would debut in the Dutch Eredivisie in August of 2010, in a 2-2 draw against SC Heerenveen. Cillessen was named Man of the Match in the game, and remained first choice goalkeeper from then on.

It was with Dutch giants Ajax that he caught the eye of the national team, for which he has made 50 appearances (official matches and friendlies).

Signed by FC Barcelona ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, Cillessen would be used predominantly in the Copa del Rey and Champions League. He joins Valencia CF hungry to continue making his mark in every competition that he plays, on the way to making his childhood goal a reality.