According to a recent report by ESPN, Barcelona are prepared to offer a new deal to Marc-André ter Stegen before the end of this calendar year. The same source has also revealed that the Catalans are eager to reward their first-choice keeper with an improved contract due to his growing influence at the Nou Camp.
Ter Stegen’s Impressive Season At The Nou Camp So Far
The German international has continued to impress in between the sticks for Barca this season after putting in several match-winning performances in the La Liga. He has kept ten clean sheets and conceded 34 goals in 33 appearances for the Spanish champions this term across all competitions. The stats don’t lie and only reveals how influential ter Stegen has been at the defensive end of the pitch.
The 27-year-old has completed 86.5% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division and is also averaging 0.8 clearances per game in league football (stats via whoscored). His incredible contributions have propelled Barca to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of the league table.
The Monchengladbach-born talent has also represented the German national side in 27 international matches, shipping in 25 goals and securing nine clean sheets in the process. Ter Stegen will once again play a vital role for his nation when the UEFA Euro 2020 kicks off later this summer.
What Does The German Custodian Offer On The Pitch?
Ter Stegen has quick feet and boasts fast reflexes that enable him to pull off some world-class diving saves at the back. He is an excellent distributor of the ball and hardly makes any mistakes which explain why he is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. The German has a good football brain and is not afraid to come out of his penalty area to make some vital last-gasp clearances for his side.
Ter Stegen Set To Be Offered A New Deal: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Hence, it is a no-brainer for Quique Setien to offer his star keeper a new and improved contract. Ter Stegen has justified his worth over the past few years and deserves a lucrative new deal for his consistency in goal at the Nou Camp. He has formed a good understanding with the likes of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti as they collectively see a lot of the ball when building plays out from the back.
If the German ends up penning an improved contract, then it could turn out to be a good move for both parties. With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique edging towards the last legs of their playing careers, Barca would be wise to tie down a world-class shot-stopper like ter Stegen to a new deal. The talented keeper will be able to help the Catalan giants make a smooth transition when the senior players eventually decide to hang up their boots in the coming years.
