Why Wojciech Szczęsny has replaced Iñaki Peña as Barcelona’s no.1 goalkeeper

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·6 February 2025

Why Wojciech Szczęsny has replaced Iñaki Peña as Barcelona’s no.1 goalkeeper

An insight into the reasoning behind Wojciech Szczęsny being afforded no.1 duties between the posts at La Liga giants Barcelona has on Thursday been provided.

Shot-stopper Szczęsny has for his part of course played an increasingly prominent role for Barcelona over the course of recent weeks.

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After initially being condemned to a backup role behind Iñaki Peña following his free agent arrival, the Pole’s talents have seen him favoured by boss Hansi Flick of late.

In fact, in Barca’s last nine fixtures across all competitions, Szczęsny has featured from the off in all but two.

But why exactly is the former Arsenal and Juventus man suddenly playing such a significant part for the Blaugrana?

As alluded to above, an insight into as much has today been provided, by Diario Sport.

And it points towards a whole host of factors as being at play:

Szczęsny’s experience advantage over Peña
Peña’s failure to produce ‘saves at decisive moments that gave the team points’
Szczęsny’s superior communication and dominance of his penalty area
Szczęsny’s ‘personality’ and willingness to take risks with the ball at his feet

Conor Laird – GSFN