Pundit claims Barcelona transfer target is better than Marc-Andre ter Stegen in 'terms of goalkeeping'
Former Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek reckons his recently retired compatriot Wojciech Szczesny has better attributes than injured Barcelona custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The 32-year-old sustained a potentially season-ending injury in his side's 5-1 La Liga win at Villarreal over the weekend. While defending a corner, an awkward fall led to Ter Stegen tearing his patellar, essentially ruling him out of the season.
“I feel truly grateful to all the Barça fans, teammates, rivals, clubs and friends for the support and love you’ve shown me since Sunday," the German said (as per Barca Blaugranes).
"I want to thank the Villarreal supporters for their respect displayed in the stadium, it means a lot to me. I feel positive and strong, now I focus on my recovery. Thank you!”
Ter Stegen's injury has led Barca to scurry for goalkeeping options, but they can only sign free-agent players, as it's not the transfer window. One such option could be former Juventus custodian Szczesny.
Showering high praise on his compatriot, Dudek said (as per GOAL Poland via Tribal Football) that Ter Stegen is a bit 'worse' in terms of goalkeeping than Szczesny.
Dudek, though, noted that Szczesny is a 'different' goalkeeper than Ter Stegen and that Barca's playing style involves 'a lot of short play from the goalkeeper in the penalty area'.
As per Barca Blaugranes, Szczesny is one of the frontrunners to replace Ter Stegen, having played for top sides like Arsenal and Juventus.
What's next for Barcelona?
Barcelona have made a superb start to life under new boss Hansi Flick, who arrived at the helm to replace club legend Xavier Hernandez. The former Bayern Munich tactician has seemingly taken to Spanish football like a duck to water.
Flick's side have won their opening seven La Liga games to go four points clear of second-placed defending champions Real Madrid. Following their aforementioned 5-1 win at Villarreal last weekend, Barca beat Getafe 1-0 at home in midweek and next take on Osasuna away on Saturday (September 28).
The Blaugrana's only hiccup under Flick was a 2-1 midweek defeat at AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League opener last week. Nevertheless, they swiftly returned to winning ways with a resounding win at the Madrigal as they look to extend their perfect start to their league campaign this weekend.
Their seven straight wins to open their La Liga campaign marks the club's second-best start to a league season, one behind the eight they managed in the 2013-14 season.