Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is the best goalkeeper in the world
Ivan Rakitic has taken him into the queue for someone who should be the goalkeeper of Barcelona’s first choice by publicly supporting his former teammate Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen is reportedly slipped down the hierarchy at Barca following Barca Joan Garcia’s signature from Crosstown rival Espanyol And the experienced Pole Wojciech Szczesny renewed his contract.
This issue is complicated by the fact that Ter Stegen may need back retract surgery that prevents him from locking him out for up to four months.
Ter Stegen underwent extensive surgery in 2021, 2023, 2024 and now 2025. The club is 100% justified by looking for permanent replacements. pic.twitter.com/bge3lr7zse
– TotalBarça (@all boat) July 17, 2025
Garcia must win it – Rachitic
However, if he can prove his fitness, Rakitic believes the German is still Barka’s best goalkeeper.
He told Coop:
“Whether Joan Garcia and Ter Stegen, it’s very easy, Ter Stegen plays. He’s the captain and a very respected player at Barca.”
He added: “If Mark is healthy, there’s no doubt.
“Joan is extremely talented, but he has to get it (the number one position). There’s one thing to play for a La Liga team and one thing to be Barcelona’s number one.
Rakitic backs Yamal to beat critics and receives support from Flick.
Rakitic, who recently retired as the sports director of Hajduk Split, has achieved an incredible career in Catalonia, winning four times in 2015 in La Liga and the Champions League.
And the former Croatian midfielder believes this week’s controversy over Ramin Yamal will also die.
Spain’s Winger Yamal hit the headline after celebrating his 18th birthday on Saturday, using a dwarves hired as entertainment. He is also rumored to have spent some of the offseason on holidays, and spent 12 years as a senior in 12 years.
Rakitic added: “He is a boy worthy of happiness. He is an epic boy. I hear good things about him. Let’s enjoy him and make him happy. That’s the most important thing.
“In (Balka boss Hansi) Flick, he has the perfect person. He does so when he has to call him into the office.”