Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez defends Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid recent errors

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 18: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks dejected after conceding their second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou on December 18, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Xavi Hernandez has defended goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Ter Stegen has come under intense criticism this season, producing a few too many errors.

Over the weekend, he was criticised again after failing to stop Elche‘s equaliser during Barcelona‘s 3-2 win over the Alicante side.

Ter Stegen probably should have done better to get across goal and should have made better contact with the ball following Pere Milla’s effort.

Despite that, Barca boss Xavi has issued a clear defence of his goalkeeper, while admitting he is well aware of his errors.

“For us, Marc is fundamental,” said the Barca boss in his latest press conference, as streamed live on YouTube.

“His commitment and dedication is excellent. At times, there are errors, we should improve in goal and he knows it, but his play with his feet is excellent.

“But there is no debate, he is one of the best in the world and he has to improve.”

Ter Stegen has been with Barca since his 2014 move from Borussia Dortmund, and since then, there is no doubting that he has established himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

Over the last year, the Germany international has indeed struggled for form, but it makes little sense for Barca to move on from ter Stegen.

He is still only 29 years of age, and the goalkeeper is capable of returning to his previous level.

Not only that, but Barca are struggling financially, and replacing ter Stegen would cost them a significant amount, with other areas elsewhere in greater need of improvement.

Tags FC Barcelona Marc-Andre Ter Stegen Xavi Hernandez

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