"Between Joan Garcia and Ter Stegen, the choice is easy: Ter Stegen plays"

The situation of Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Barcelona is becoming increasingly complicated. Following the signing of Joan Garcia and the contract renewal of Wojciech Szczesny, it seems the keeper's only route to playing time is to leave the Catalan club, although a back injury and possible surgery to resolve these issues further complicate matters for the German.

Despite this, voices from outside the club are showing their support and sending encouragement to the Barca captain. Among them is former teammate Ivan Rakitic, who did not hesitate to show his full confidence in the German.

"The starting goalkeeper for Barca? If Marc is fit, there's no question. Between Joan Garcia and Ter Stegen, it's a very easy choice: Ter Stegen plays. I wish all of Barcelona's problems were about choosing between three great players (including Szczesny). Joan has a lot of talent and he's going to have to earn his place. It's one thing to play in a La Liga team, and another to be number one for Barcelona. I don't see a better goalkeeper in Europe or in the world than Ter Stegen," he said to 'COPE'.

Likewise, Rakitic, who shared a dressing room with the German from 2014-15 to 2019-20, said that Ter Stegen is happy and eager to wear the 'Azulgrana' shirt again. "I spoke to him and he seemed very enthusiastic and happy. I hope his injury isn't anything serious and that he can come back soon," he concluded.