‘My reference’ – Real Betis star defends Barcelona counterpart after UCL display | OneFootball

Real Betis star Rui Silva has on Friday moved to jump to the defence of Barcelona counterpart Marc-André Ter Stegen.

This, of course, comes fresh off a night to forget for Ter Stegen on Thursday.

Afforded a starting berth between the posts in Barcelona’s Champions League season opener against AS Monaco, the German international, first, played a direct hand in teammate Eric García being dismissed on the 10-minute mark.

As much came by way of a ‘hospital pass’ into midfield, which was easily intercepted by Takumi Minamino.

Then, after Barcelona managed to claw their way back into proceedings through Lamine Yamal, Ter Stegen again failed to cover himself in glory for what proved to be the decisive goal of the evening.

After George Ilenikhena broke free behind the Barca backline, his ensuing effort was directed more or less straight at the visitors’ no.1

Ter Stegen, however, could only manage to direct the ball into the empty net behind him.

Such errors have since given rise to inevitable criticism across the Blaugrana fanbase, and beyond.

As alluded to above, though, on Friday, Barca’s long-time first-choice shot-stopper has received the backing of a fellow La Liga goalkeeper.

Speaking during an interview with Diario AS, Real Betis star Rui Silva was asked for his take on Ter Stegen’s difficult evening on Thursday.

And the Portuguese went on to launch a steadfast defence of the former Borussia Monchengladbach man, beginning:

“When a goalkeeper makes a mistake it is a disappointment, but that has always happened and will continue to happen. You have to understand that we are human. It is impossible to be 100% infallible. Even goalkeepers who are completely focused make mistakes. I think it is somewhat unfair that they are targeting us, because when a striker makes a mistake that does not happen.”

Silva continued:

“Marc-André is top-notch and has a great ability to adapt. He has been showing his quality for many years and I am sure he will recover very quickly, that is what makes the difference between one team and another. I am sure that a goalkeeper of that level will give the best response in the next game he takes to the field.

“I have always looked up to goalkeepers like Vitor Baía, Iker Casillas, Buffon and Rui Patricio. Ter Stegen is now my reference, because he is a complete goalkeeper and I would like to be like him and improve in all my good and bad aspects. It is important to have a model to look up to and Marc is one of them.”

Conor Laird – GSFN