Barcelona have struck gold with Joan Garcia, and just over six months have been enough for the new signing to prove his worth. In just his first season at the club, the youngster is already making a case to be called the best goalkeeper in Spain, and is at the doorstep of a national team call-up. Further, he has already won the Catalans multiple games single-handedly, with his best ever performance coming under pressure against his former club Espanyol.
He's a very nice boy, young. He is great. Last year, when he was at Espanyol, the psychologist of the club was my psychologist, with whom I have been working for ten years. She has told me wonders about him. The teammates who know him have also done so.
Facing his former club Espanyol in an intensely hostile atmosphere, the goalkeeper delivered a composed and commanding display, keeping a clean sheet when Barcelona needed it most. According to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia's performance was not only decisive on the night but also historically significant. The report highlights that the Barcelona shot-stopper matched a landmark achievement previously set by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the man he has effectively replaced under Hansi Flick this season.
Beyond that, he is the reason Barcelona can win games even when they're not at their best. That's what a world class goalkeeper can do for you. Espanyol are one of the best teams in Spain at the moment, and you could see why on Saturday. They are organized and tough to break down, and have an incredible confidence about them under Manolo González.
The keeper, who was in sensational form before he picked up his injury, is believed to be on the verge of a return, and the fortnight where no club games are taking place gives the 24-year-old another opportune window to put in the work to make sure he's as good as new when Barca take on Athletic Club a week on Saturday.
