Baia: Ter-Stegen has the quality

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Vitor Baia is confident that Marc Andre Ter-Stegen has the quality to replace Victor Valdes.

The German shot-stopper is expected to be the one to replace the Spain international at Camp Nou next season.

And the 44-year-old, who played for the Blaugrana between 1996 and 1998, is steadfast in his belief that the Borussia Monchengladbach man can do well.

“I've seen little of Ter-Stegen,” he told La Xarxa. “He is a young, fast goalkeeper, who does his role well, but I have not yet sufficient data to make a proper analysis.

“But he is young and has quality, and last year had a great season with Borussia Monchengladbach.

“My advice to Ter Stegen would be to arrive quietly. He'll know how to control the pressure of the environment and to play in a natural and calm way. If you are quiet, you will reach a high level naturally.”

Baia though, is at a loss to explain why Valdes would want to leave Barcelona this summer.

“Valdes played an excellent game against Manchester City in midweek, making a super save at a very important moment.

“The truth is that he is having an excellent season at a very high level and from a distance I do not understand why he will not renew his contract with the club. It's hard for me to understand, but this is football.

“He's a good goalkeeper, the best in Europe. He's won major titles in the end, which is what counts for one's career, and he has also shown tremendous consistency, which is the most important feature that a goalkeeper should have.

“Valdes is a very important player for the club and even more in the culture of an attack-minded club like Barcelona. 

“There's nothing better than a goalkeeper who knows the culture, knows he has to play a little more advanced, knows he has to play well with his feet, and this what Valdes makes perfect for Barca.”

Tags Ter Stegen Victor Valdes Vitor Baia
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