In a recent column with Sport, Montreal Impact striker Bojan Krkic urged his former club Barcelona to extend Marc Andre ter Stegen’s contract this summer when he said, “I’ve got a lot of faith in Marc-Andre ter Stegen. I believe that, during these years at Barça, he’s improved massively as a keeper and is now one of the best in the world. He’s only 28 which makes me think there’s still room for further improvement and he could eventually become the best.”
Krkic also went on to add (via Sport), “For that reason, in my opinion, his renewal should be one of Barça’s priorities this summer. His role is key in the present and future of this club. On a sporting level, we’ve seen his incredible displays on the pitch, including that wonderful double-save to deny Lewandowski away at Bayern. To score past ter Stegen, you need to place your shot perfectly. We’re talking about an extremely solid goalkeeper, and that’s something which makes it uncomfortable for the opposition’s forwards. His qualities are extensive: he closes the angles down quickly in one-on-ones, makes himself big and isn’t one of those goalkeepers who guesses what the forward will do. Instead, he stands strong, covering as much of the goal as possible and is very agile.”
Ter Stegen’s Impressive Form At The Nou Camp This Season
The German international has maintained his high standards at the Nou Camp this season after producing a series of dominant performances in goal as Quique Setien’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has shipped in 41 goals and secured 17 clean sheets in 44 appearances for the Catalan giants this term in multiple competitions which showcases just how excellent he has been for Barca over the past 12 months.
The Monchengladbach-born custodian deserves credit for averaging 0.7 clearances and 5.9 long balls per 90 minutes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season. He has successfully completed 86.4% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top-flight which highlights how composed he can be when in possession of the ball inside his half (stats via whoscored).
Ter Stegen has represented the German national team in 24 matches thus far. As long as he can continue performing at a high level in the upcoming campaign, he will be guaranteed a place in Joachim Löw’s first-team for next summer’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Are The German International’s Greatest Strengths?
Ter Stegen has no weaknesses in his game as such because he is quite well-rounded in all aspects of his game. He has already proven his worth as a world-class player in his position, so Barca will find it difficult to replace him in the future. The German goalie boasts fast reflexes that allow him to pull off some awe-inspiring stops at the back. He can be quick to go to ground but can also stay on his feet if need be to make a clearance inside his penalty area.
Ter Stegen is a capable handler of the ball and can be a dominant force when he is coming out to collect crosses. He is often quick to sense the danger that makes him such an exceptional talent in European football.
Why Setien Needs To Tie Ter Stegen Down To A New Contract
Barcelona are fortunate to have world-class custodian like ter Stegen in their squad. Hence, Setien should make it his mission to tie his first-choice keeper down to a new, long-term deal. The German could help the Catalans win some silverware in the coming seasons, so it makes sense for them to offer him a new contract.
All in all, both the player and the club can benefit from prolonging their future together for the long-run. Ter Stegen is currently playing some of the best football of his career, so Setien should only think about recruiting well this summer so that he can build a strong squad capable of challenging for top honours next season.
