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#2 Marc-Andre ter Stegen
If the book 'How to be a World-Class Goalkeeper' was ever written and published as a training guide, it is exceedingly likely that the author would be a German.
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Oliver Kahn, Jens Lehmann, Manuel Neuer - the list is impressive. Barcelona decided to secure the services of German shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a measly €12 million, and they will likely reap the rewards of their decision for years to come.
Ter Stegen found life difficult in his first two seasons at the club, as Luis Enrique preferred the more experienced Claudio Bravo in La Liga fixtures. The German goalkeeper was preferred in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, as Barcelona looked to hone him as a long-term option in goal.
Ter Stegen was slightly error-prone in his first season, but more than made up for it with some exceptional saves, including an incredible goal-line clearance against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Ter Stegen became the first choice keeper for the club in La Liga as well after Claudio Bravo left for Manchester City in 2016. His first season as an undisputed starter in the league saw some shaky performances, but the shot-stopper oozed potential.
Over the past two seasons, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has grown into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The German has been the epitome of consistency at the Catalan club, and excellent performances against high-profile clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Tottenham hold him in high stead. His reflex saves are a stunning sight, and his ball-playing ability rivals that of compatriot Manuel Neuer.
This decade has been about growth and a steep learning curve for ter Stegen, and at only 24 years of age, he can look forward to dominating the next decade in goal. The German is already head and shoulders above most of his peers in the game and has the potential to further lengthen a long list of legendary German goalkeepers.
