Joan Garcia vs Escandell: La Liga’s top goalkeepers go head-to-head in Barcelona vs Real Oviedo | OneFootball

FC Barcelona made the decision to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the summer. Six months later, Deco’s call looks like a masterstroke, and the Spaniard has developed into one of Hansi Flick’s best players.

Despite an injury that kept him out for a couple of months, Joan is in the conversation for the best goalkeeper in La Liga this season, which shows just how good he has been for the Catalan club.

The goalkeeper providing him with the biggest competition in this regard, according to SPORT, is Real Oviedo No. 1 Aaron Escandell. Despite playing for a team at the bottom of the table, they would be worse off without their goalkeeper’s exploits.

Escandell has made 97 saves, comfortably No. 1 and 23 more than the nearest chaser, Sergio Herrera. Joan, in contrast, has missed six games through injury and made just 36 saves, which is understandable given how much Barcelona dominate games.

However, it is worth noting that Joan’s save percentage of 76.6% is higher than Escandell’s 75.8%. The young Spaniard has kept seven clean sheets, while Oviedo’s No. 1 has managed five, which is commendable.

The statistic that defines Escandell is goals prevented. Oviedo are expected to have conceded 39.26 goals but have shipped only 31 thanks to his exploits, which approximates to eight goals prevented. Joan is third on the list with close to five prevented.

Tonight’s clash between Real Oviedo and Barcelona will be a battle between two of the best goalkeepers in La Liga this season, and we will see whether Joan can emerge on top.