Marc-André ter Stegen had a strong showing against France, showing he can stand tall against one of the best attacking teams in the world.
There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding Barcelona, and what direction they will head in next season in deciding on a first choice goalkeeper.
It’s understandable that there are questions and doubts surrounding Ter Stegen. He did, after all, just miss out on Barcelona’s historically successful season, and in the last few years, he has received criticism for disappointing performances in big matches.
FC Barcelona V Villarreal CF - La Liga Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It doesn’t help that he will always be compared to Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, the best in the world.
That being said, it’s strange to see the way Deco and company are going about assessing his future, and who might be a logical replacement to strengthen the team in that critical position.
Maybe I just haven’t watched enough Espanyol games, but I have a hard time seeing Joan García as a long term answer. By signing him, that’s the statement you are making to the team, and whoever else may be on the roster to provide goal keeping depth.
It’s been reported that Wojciech Szczesny is set to sign a two-year contract. That’s good news. The Polish veteran is a proven veteran, and he has gained the trust of Hansi Flick.
FC Barcelona Vs Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It would be enough to say that, in the short term, Tek is more than capable of being your number one. If Ter Stegen wants to stick around to fight him for the job, that’s a great situation for Barcelona. The biggest problem with the German during his time at Barcelona is that he never experienced the pressure of having a realistic backup to push him, with the exception of his first year when Claudio Bravo took the job from him in La Liga.
If Ter Stegen shows entitlement, and doesn’t want to be challenged by a competitor, then maybe it is best to let him go. But I for one don’t believe everything I read in the media that suggests a player has an “attitude problem,” and that’s why Barcelona don’t want to keep him around.
Ter Stegen is a Barcelona legend, and at the very least, if he is to leave this summer, he deserves respect and gratitude as the chapter comes to a close. One that wasn’t afforded to the like of Xavi, Messi, Luis Suarez, to name a few, in recent memory.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images
One thing I maintain, however, is a sense of confusion around the Joan Garcia hype.
If it’s just that the case that he’s a good player available for a bargain on the market, I’d think twice if I were the president and sporting director.
Joan Garcia is not coming to Barcelona to be a backup.
If he comes in, Barcelona need to be confident that he can be the main man going forward.
And if we’re being honest, someone who has only played for a dismal club like Espanyol, and who has no experience in high pressure moments in Europe, or with trophies on the line in general, is a risky player to put your hopes in.
Rcd Espanyol V Fc Barcelona - La Liga Ea Sports Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
More than anything, the chatter is just confusing.
Barcelona have bigger fish to fry this offseason than at the goal keeper position.
It would be great to go with a veteran like Szczesny or Ter Stegen, or even both, while buying time for in house talents like Diego Kochen, Aron Yaakobishvili and Ander Astralaga to develop.
But at a minimum, let’s not attack the character of Marc-André ter Stegen.
He is Barcelona through and through. He may not be the best option going forward, but he is more than capable of doing the job if he stays, and if he goes, the Barcelona boardroom needs to keep it from getting ugly.
The Barcelona captain, through thick and thin, has been loyal to the colors. During turbulent times, he was always a bit of light in the darkness.
Here’s to hoping all parties can figure out a path forward that’s in everyone’s best interest.