Ter Stegen: Barcelona's wall finally getting the recognition he deserves

As Scottish referee Madden blew the final whistle, Marc-Andre ter Stegen kicked the post in a mix of anger and relief. Asked to speak with rights holders after the game, he preferred to wait, count to three, and hold on a few minutes. Then he sent his message. The goalkeeper's words were not those often sent out after a win, as he admitted Barcelona had not been good enough in their 2-1 win over Slavia Prague and needed to improve. 

The German, in his sixth season at the club, has earned the right to be listened to. He made three big saves in Prague to add to his increasing collection in the Champions League this season. 

If he'd not denied Marco Reus several times in Dortmund -- including a penalty stop -- Barça would have lost their first game. Borussia Dortmund were superior, like Inter in the first half at Camp Nou. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring early on but 'Mats' did everything to ensure that was all the Italians had at the break. 

And then there was Wednesday's exhibition at the Eden Arena. Slavia had nine shots on target but only Boril was able to beat the wall of Ter Stegen. With his feet, his body, his hands... he saves almost everything. His statistics in the Champions League say it all: 14 saves from 16 shots on target, 87.5 percent efficiency.  

Authorised voice

Authorised voiceWithout the German international, Barça could be in a more compromising position in Europe. Instead, they are top of their group with seven points and close to the knockout rounds again. The difference is huge.  

That a team who aren't traditionally among Europe's elite in Slavia can have 22 shots in total is a big reason why Ter Stegen says "we need to talk about things" in reference to the dressing room. He has a voice and he's authorised to use it. "There are things we need to improve," he added. The stopper's call for obligation was made in public, but the analysis will be carried out "internally." 

Leader 

LeaderIt's not strange that Ter Stegen's played every game this season, in Europe and in Spain, where he's currently on a run of 316 minutes without conceding a goal following clean sheets against Getafe, Sevilla and Eibar. 

He's the first player in the squad to pass 1,000 minutes (now 1,080). He's been the team's lifesaver in two competitions. 

But it's not just his performances which have won over the supporters. It's also because of the way he's adapted to life in the city, from being spotted using the metro to his embracing of Catalonia. He's a superhero on the pitch but just another person on the street. 

At 27, the recognition is finally arriving. Not yet with the national team, where he's still No.2 to Manuel Neuer, but he's one of just three goalkeepers to be in the running for the Ballon d'Or (and the only German). The other two stoppers are Alisson (Liverpool) and Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), who will be his main rivals for the Yashin Trophy. To win it would be justice for the wall of Barça, the positive in a side which, results aside, is not looking great. 

But 'Mats' does work. And that's easier said than done for Barcelona goalkeepers.