The spectacular stats behind Barcelona’s inspired summer decision | OneFootball

Barcelona’s decision to sign Joan Garcia can no longer be considered a gamble. 

This is because the former Espanyol keeper has become one of the most decisive players in La Liga this season, and the numbers leave little room for debate.

So far, Garcia has featured in 19 league matches and recorded an impressive save percentage of 79.41%, reports Mundo Deportivo.

In simple terms, he is stopping almost eight out of every ten shots on target he faces. 

Among goalkeepers who have played a meaningful number of matches in the championship, that is the best figure in the league.

There is more to the story

Consistency has been the foundation of his rise. Across those 19 appearances, Garcia has conceded just 14 goals while producing 54 key saves. 

His average of 2.84 saves per match shows his reliability. All this has come amid the fact that he is not supported by a strong defensive line. 

The most striking metric, however, comes from the expected goals (xG) model. 

Joan Garcia has been extremely crucial for Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Based on the quality of chances faced, Garcia should have conceded 21.68 goals this season. Instead, he has allowed only 14. 

That means he has prevented 7.68 goals above expectation, which is a massive margin. In a tight title race, those saved goals can easily translate into extra points.

This data positions him as arguably the most dependable goalkeeper in La Liga this campaign. 

It is not just about flashy stops. It is about making the save when the team needs it most – at 0-0, at 1-1, or protecting a narrow lead late in the game.

Barcelona’s ambitions this season stretch across multiple competitions. In that context, having a goalkeeper who delivers week after week is essential. 

As such, Joan Garcia’s rise is no coincidence. His performances have added calmness and security to the back line. 

More importantly, they have reinforced the belief that Barcelona made a smart decision.