‘He has incredible potential‘ — Wojciech Szczesny full of praise for 24-year-old Barcelona star | OneFootball

The FC Barcelona goal underwent a generational change in the last summer transfer window, as the Blaugranes brought in Joan Garcia to make him their next long-term goalie, taking over from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

At present, both Ter Stegen and Garcia are sidelined with injuries, leaving Wojciech Szczesny, who joined the Catalan side midway through last season, as the starting goalkeeper in recent matches.

The Polish international has enjoyed an impressive career at the highest level of European football, and his words carry considerable weight. For that reason, Barcelona fans will have welcomed his recent praise of Garcia, whom he believes could one day become the best goalkeeper in the world.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, speaking at the premiere of a documentary about his career in Warsaw, Szczesny spoke glowingly about his new teammate’s talent and potential.

“He’ll probably end up being the best goalkeeper in the world — he has incredible potential. And just knowing I can be part of the process of helping such an exceptional talent grow makes me happy.”

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The veteran goalkeeper added that his admiration for 24-year-old Spanish shotstopper grew further after seeing him in training with Barcelona.

“I discovered Joan last season at Espanyol, and he already made a great impression on me, but after just three days of training with him at Barça, I knew I could help him improve. He’ll probably end up as the best goalkeeper in the world — I’m not saying he is that yet — but if I can help him in any way, I’ll be very satisfied.”

Szczesny also opened up on one of his more memorable moments in a Barcelona jersey, celebrating the last season’s La Liga title triumph by smoking a cigar:

“The ending of the documentary, where I’m smoking the cigar in the dressing room, perfectly sums up my story. Smoke made me leave Arsenal; it followed me for a few years, and Laporta gave me a great cigar while my teammates were celebrating the title. It was deserved, it was excellent, and it was an incredible moment that ties the documentary and my career together perfectly.”

Szczęsny also took the opportunity to address a recent viral image suggesting he laughed after Sevilla scored their fourth goal in Barcelona’s 4–1 defeat at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Once Joan Garcia returns from injury, he is expected to reclaim his place as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper. Yet the presence of two seasoned figures in Ter Stegen and Szczesny will no doubt play a key role in helping the young Spaniard refine his game and realise his enormous potential in the coming years.