Why Barcelona are right in handing fresh terms to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

As per the Spanish outlet AS (h/t Daily Mail), Barcelona are persuading Marc-Andre Ter Stegen into signing a new contract with the club amidst interest from Chelsea.

Ter Stegen, 27, came through the ranks of Borussia Monchengladbach’s youth system. He became a key member of the club and his impressive performances earned him a move to Spain with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2014.

In his first two years at Camp Nou, the German shot-stopper found it hard to get regular game time and was used as an understudy to Claudio Bravo. The Chilean’s departure in 2016 saw Ter Stegen become the first-choice goalkeeper and he has since then been one of Barcelona’s best players. He has also saved them single-handedly on several occasions.

Meanwhile, Quique Setien’s side have not been much convincing as Lionel Messi is the only outfield player who has made a difference for them in every game. The injury to Luis Suarez has resulted in the drop in goals and they have been solely dependent on the Argentine.

Their defence has also not been up to the mark but the former Monchengladbach man has been immovable at the back. Apart from his goalkeeping abilities, Ter Stegen also has 2 assists to his name and this shows his ability to find a pass to the forwards in crunch times.

The German international was at his best on several occasions, including in the away game against Atletico Madrid earlier in the campaign and most recently against Getafe. Despite losing to Real Madrid earlier this month, Ter Stegen was brilliant in the game and his save of Isco’s shot was outstanding.

He has been the next best player to Messi for Barcelona this season and seems to be going from strength-to-strength in each game. He has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Therefore, it would be good for the Catalan giants to hand the German a new contract and secure their goalkeeping spot.

Barcelona have only two goalkeepers in Ter Stegen and Neto, and the latter hasn’t been clinical in the few opportunities he has received. He was at fault for Atletico’s win over Barca in the Spanish Supercopa semi-finals. Therefore, with limited options available, the La Liga giants should tie down the German star.

Read more

• Why Barcelona have made a good future signing in Francisco Trincao
• Why Barcelona are better off without re-signing Neymar

Verdict

Chelsea are interested in signing Barcelona’s No.1 as the Blues are having goalkeeping issues, as per the report. Therefore, tying down Ter Stegen would help them avoid the exit of their first-choice shot-stopper.

Therefore, it would be a wise decision by the club to hand fresh terms to one of their best players and enjoy his services for as long as possible.