Valencia signs pair of defenders, including Ruiz

Published Aug. 30, 2011 1:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

Valencia signed a pair of defenders on Tuesday, including Spain Under-21 defender Victor Ruiz from Napoli.

The 22-year-old Ruiz, who recently helped Spain to the Under-21 European Championship title, agreed to a five-year deal.

Valencia sport director Braulio Vazquez says Ruiz ''will complement our defense due to his characteristics.''

Valencia also signed Antonio Barragan on a four-year deal from second division side Valladolid. The 24-year-old Spanish defender previously played at Liverpool and Deportivo La Coruna.

Valencia began the Spanish season with a 4-3 victory against Racing Santander. It will face Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and Racing Genk in Champions League Group E.