Despite Barcelona’s regrettable situation they find themselves in, it is difficult to forget the club’s earlier days of glory dating back to 2015. The Blaugrana last tasted victory in the Champions League in 2015, when the club boasted an attacking front three featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. That being said, the club have both Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for their success in La Liga and the Champions League respectively.

Luis Enrique fielded Ter Stegen in the UCL and Bravo in La Liga as the club got their hands on an unbelievable treble almost nine seasons back. However, looking back at his time at the club, Bravo claimed that Ter Stegen was no match for him while playing for the Blaugrana.

Mathematically, Ter Stegen couldn't touch me. In the first seven games I played in La Liga, I set a record by keeping 7 clean sheets. To oust me, he had to do more things.

Claudio Bravo told La Tercera via MD

🎙️ “Your competition with Ter Stegen during your time at Barcelona?”

🇨🇱 Claudio Bravo:

— “What was coming out of Ter Stegen was like a conflict relationship. The role I played at that time, as a more experienced player, was to try to stop these things. I understood his… pic.twitter.com/kYay4ylM9N

— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) July 23, 2024

Despite Bravo’s claims, the player was offloaded to Manchester City as a substitute keeper while Ter Stegen took primary spot at Barcelona. It is important to mention that Ter Stegen has ‘failed’ to help FC Barcelona lay their hands on a Champions League trophy ever since.

Barcelona ‘identify’ 18-year-old as worthy successor for Marc-Andre ter Stegen

At the age of 32, Marc-André ter Stegen has now completed ten years at FC Barcelona. However, after an initial season of ‘brilliance’, fans are of the opinion that his ability in between the sticks has gradually fallen off over the years. As of now, several fans are calling for his removal from the squad and suggest that it’s time for reinforcement in the goalkeeper position.

As per several reports, 18-year-old Diego Kochen has been identified as a potential replacement for the German. The youngster is one of Barca Atletic’s most prized jewels and will look to break into the squad if new coach Hansi Flick hands him the opportunity. Ter Stegen is yet to return to the club after his vacation despite not playing a single game for Germany at the Euros.

Diego Kochen (Barça Atletic goalkeeper): "My Idol? As a goalkeeper, it was always Ter Stegen, from day one. He's been my idol since I was little, since I was 12, and now I get to share a locker room with him. I saw him pass by and I couldn't believe I was sharing the same space… pic.twitter.com/OArbu70aOx

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 9, 2024

As of now, Flick has started pre-season training with three other goalkeepers – Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga and Kochen. While Pena is expected to remain as Ter Stegen’s understudy, Astralaga will most likely find a new club for the new season. As for Kochen, besides claiming the No.1 spot for Barca Atletic, experience training alongside Ter Stegen and former manager Xavi Hernandez will come as a significant boost for his career.

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