Wojciech Szczęsny has been a revelation for FC Barcelona since joining the team earlier this year. With 16 matches played, he has kept an impressive 8 clean sheets, making him an indispensable asset to the team. His exceptional performance in the Champions League match against Benfica was a testament to his skills, and it’s no wonder that he has become a talisman for the team.
However, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s impending return from injury, questions have been raised about Szczęsny’s position in the team. Will he be able to hold onto his spot as the number one goalkeeper?
According to reports from Catalan daily „Sport”, ter Stegen is expected to return to group training by mid-April, provided his recovery goes smoothly. This has led to speculation about whether he will immediately regain his place in the starting lineup.
But it seems that Szczęsny has nothing to worry about. As reported by „As” and „Sport”, coach Flick has made it clear that Szczęsny is his number one choice, and that decision is unlikely to change, even with ter Stegen’s return.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Szczęsny’s impressive stats speak for themselves. With a save percentage of 75.6% in La Liga and 80.8% in the Champions League, he has been instrumental in Barcelona’s success this season. His ability to make crucial saves and maintain a clean sheet has earned him the trust of his coach and teammates.
Ter Stegen’s Return: A Blessing in Disguise?
While ter Stegen’s return may seem like a threat to Szczęsny’s position, it could actually be a blessing in disguise. With the German goalkeeper’s injury, Szczęsny has had the opportunity to prove himself, and he has taken it with both hands.
Moreover, as reported by „Sport”, the rules of the Champions League prohibit ter Stegen from playing in the competition, unless Szczęsny is deregistered, which is not being considered at the moment. This means that Szczęsny is likely to continue playing in the Champions League, at least until the end of the season.
The Future Looks Bright for Szczęsny
With his current form and the trust of his coach, Szczęsny is likely to continue playing for Barcelona for the foreseeable future. As reported by „Sport”, he is confident that he will finish the season as the team’s number one goalkeeper and receive an offer to extend his contract for another year.
It’s clear that Szczęsny has become an integral part of FC Barcelona’s success, and his future looks bright. With his impressive stats and the trust of his coach, he is likely to continue playing at the highest level for years to come.
Key Statistics:
* Wojciech Szczęsny has kept 8 clean sheets in 16 matches for FC Barcelona.
* He has a save percentage of 75.6% in La Liga and 80.8% in the Champions League.
* Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to return to group training by mid-April.
* The rules of the Champions League prohibit ter Stegen from playing in the competition, unless Szczęsny is deregistered.
Sources:
* „Sport” (Catalan daily)
* „As” (Spanish sports daily)
* UEFA Champions League official website