Alejandro Balde claims Barcelona have a player who is among the best players in the world in his position

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde praised teammate Joan Garcia, naming the goalkeeper as one of the best in his position in the world.

Garcia joined Barcelona from Catalan rivals RCD Espanyol in the summer after Barca activated the €25 million release clause on his contract with his childhood club. So far this season, the Spaniard has kept five clean sheets in 14 appearances across all competitions. He was in action in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory against Osasuna on Saturday. In addition to keeping a clean sheet, Garcia made two saves in the first half.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Balde spoke glowingly of Garcia, saying:

“I think Joan Garcia is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His level is amazing, and despite his young age, he is a very excellent player, and we are very happy to have him with us!”

Last season, Garica made the most saves (145) in LaLiga, with an impressive 73.71% save rate, although his Espanyol side finished 14th in the table.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says Joan Garcia remains his first-choice goalkeeper despite Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s return

Joan Garcia’s arrival at Barca saw him dethrone his predecessors at the club. The Spanish shot-stopper arrived amid a desire for competition with Wojciech Szczesny, and he has since established himself as the first-choice goalie.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen returned from a lengthy injury towards the end of last season, but underwent further surgery for his lower back problems in July and has yet to play a match for Barcelona this season.

The German returned to training a few days ago and was included in Barcelona’s matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt last Tuesday. He was also in the matchday squad against Osasuna, but he was an unused substitute in both matches.

Speaking after the game against Osasuna, Flick confirmed that Garica will remain his first-choice goalkeeper despite Ter Stegen’s return from injury.

“Joan is number one. But I don't see a second or third. We're not going to change Joan; he's doing very well,” he said.

Regarding Ter Stegen, Flick said he has spoken with him but kept the discussion he had with the German shot-stopper private. He added:

“I’ve spoken with him; it’s my job. But that stays between him and me.”

Ter Stegen joined Barca from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and was the team’s No. 1 in LaLiga in the last eight seasons. His current deal with Barca will expire in 2028.