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Marc-Andre ter Stegen is like life insurance for Barcelona. The German has already highlighted his skill between the sticks on several occasions and, even since returning from his recent knee injury, he has continued to show that he is as good as ever.
Against Dynamo Kiev, Ter Stegen took center stage with three great saves, ensuring victory for the Blaugrana. Against Real Betis he showed more moments of brilliance despite conceding two goals.
Barcelona are facing a tough trip to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this Saturday night and all eyes will be on Ter Stegen as they face Atlético de Madrid. He has conceded 12 goals in 13 games against Los Colchoneros, suggesting he could have a difficult night in the capital. In those games, he has only kept four clean sheets.
A defensive exam
Diego Simeone’s Atleti is LaLiga Santander’s second top scorer this season with 17, just behind Real Sociedad’s 20. Even without their own former No. 9 Luis Suárez, who has coronavirus, the Catalans will face a dangerous front line.
The journey to face Atlético comes before Barcelona’s bottom line has finished settling this season and they are still not as solid at the rear as they would like. Ronald Koeman’s side have conceded eight goals to Atleti’s two, and even Clement Lenglet has given them cause for concern at the heart of their defense.
Barcelona have been looking for defensive reinforcements for a year and, apart from Gerard Piqué, there are questions that hang over their bottom line. Eric Garcia is the one chosen to enter, but they were unable to secure his signing before the 2020/21 season began.
His defensive concerns have only increased the importance of Ter Stegen. Now he plays as important a role as the attacking stars. Even Simeone, heading into the game at his pre-game press conference, couldn’t help but include the German as he spoke of Barcelona’s key figures.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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