Former Barcelona goalkeeper shows support for Ter Stegen – ‘He should be a starter’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip has spoken out in support of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, amid growing rumours about the German’s future at the club.

In an interview with David Bernabeu on SPORT’s show La Posesion, Masip was clear about who should be Barça’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.

Masip, who trained alongside Ter Stegen for three seasons at the Camp Nou, praised the 33-year-old for his talent, professionalism and leadership.

“For me, Ter Stegen should be a starter. I’ve seen him train for three years in a row, and I know the level he can deliver,” he said.

“I know his leadership, his hierarchy within the dressing room and his personality.”

The comments come at a time when Ter Stegen’s role is under scrutiny. With the recent arrival of Joan Garcia and the likely contract extension of Wojciech Szczesny, many believe the German might no longer be the automatic starter at Barcelona.

World Cup worries for Ter Stegen

It must be noted that unless something changes, Garcia, signed from Espanyol,  is expected to be the starting goalkeeper next season.

Jordi Masip has backed Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In addition, Szczesny is likely to extend his deal with the Catalan club until 2027, adding even more competition in the goalkeeping department.

“It seems to me that he is a goalkeeper who, for ten years, has shown that he is, for me, among the three or four best goalkeepers in the world.

“He has had a very high performance at Barça, in which he has won many titles. For me he was an ideal profile for Barça and that’s why he surprises me even more,” he noted.

This situation could pose a problem for Ter Stegen. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, lack of minutes at club level might affect his chances of being Germany’s number one on the international stage.

Despite his loyalty and years of service, his future now seems uncertain.

Right now, Barcelona have a big decision to make – whether to trust experience or give full confidence to the new generation. But if Masip’s words are anything to go by, Ter Stegen still has what it takes to lead from the back.