Toni Freixa: “Let ter Stegen recover, and when he returns, have him take on the role of the third goalkeeper in the squad.”Imagine a world-class goalkeeper, a true pillar of the team, being asked to step aside. That is exactly the shock that former FC Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa caused in the football world with his recent comments about Marc-André ter Stegen. Freixa suggested that after his return from injury, ter Stegen should take on the role of third-choice goalkeeper. This was not just a surprising statement; it challenged everything fans knew about squad hierarchy and player value at the highest level.

A club’s number one goalkeeper is often seen as untouchable, the last line of defence, a key leader. Freixa’s vision breaks this rule. His ideas raise the question of why a club would deliberately exclude a player of ter Stegen’s undeniable talent. This makes you wonder if there is a deeper strategy or concern behind such radical thinking. Is it about player health, squad dynamics, or something else entirely?

Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation has reached a critical juncture. With Ter Stegen out, others have stepped in, creating a complicated picture for the club’s decision-makers. Freixa’s controversial proposal has only added to the intrigue surrounding the future of the Catalan giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen has been a Barcelona mainstay for years, known for his excellent shot-stopping and ability with his feet. However, a recent back injury forced him to undergo surgery, keeping him out of action for a long time. While his recovery appears to be going well, the road back from such an injury can be a long one. There is always the concern of returning too soon, leading to more time on the sidelines. His previous injuries, while not always serious, have highlighted the need for careful management.

If we read closely, Freixa’s reasoning seems to centre on caution. He suggests a gradual, pressure-free return for ter Stegen. The idea is to protect the player from re-injury, allowing him to regain full fitness without having to play first-team football immediately. This approach would prioritise Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term health over his immediate playing time, ensuring he is ready for many years at the top. It’s a philosophy that values careful player care.

For a player of ter Stegen’s calibre, being asked to step back could be devastating. His entire career has been about being number one, performing under enormous pressure. Accepting the role of ‘third-choice goalkeeper’, even temporarily, can test his mental strength. However, a carefully managed phased return can also help him ease back into the rhythm, removing the burden of performing at a high level straight away. It’s a delicate balance: protecting the body, but also keeping his confidence high.

What does a ‘third-choice goalkeeper’ do in a top team? Typically, they are either a young player gaining experience, or a seasoned veteran, ready to take on a deep-lying reserve role. They rarely feature unless injured or in cup games. Their main role is often to train, motivate the starters and provide squad depth. It’s a supporting role, not one where a player should expect to start every week.

Freixa’s idea, however, seems to suggest something different for ter Stegen. It’s not just a backup option; it could be a tactical break. Is it a way for him to get back into the team environment without the pressure of direct competition? Or does Freixa see a world where a world-class talent can still contribute from off the pitch, acting as a mentor or a high-quality option for very specific situations? It’s a bold idea, almost turning a failure into a carefully calculated strategic move.

Putting a player of ter Stegen’s quality in a third-choice role has practical problems. First of all, his high salary doesn’t justify his place on the bench. What would happen to team morale if a star player was benched in this way? It could be seen as a waste of talent. Keeping a top player happy and motivated when they are not playing can be a huge challenge for any coach.

With ter Stegen out, Iñaki Peña has stepped up, showing good form and building confidence. Behind him, young goalkeeper Arnau Tenas is also waiting for his chance. Both have gained valuable minutes and experience in ter Stegen’s absence. Peña in particular has shown that he can handle the pressure of being Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper. The current squad means Barcelona are not desperate for ter Stegen to return to the starting line-up immediately.

If ter Stegen returns as third-choice goalkeeper, what will happen to Peña and Tenas? It could be a huge boost for them, giving them the chance to continue to develop and assert themselves. However, the presence of a world-class goalkeeper, even as a “third choice”, can create a strange power dynamic. Will they always feel like they are just a keeper until the real number one returns? This strategy can also leave young goalkeepers wondering about their long-term future at the club.

Team unity is important in football. Suddenly demoting a key player like ter Stegen can cause discord. Other players may question the decision or worry about their own future. A dressing room where a star is demoted for no apparent reason can be devastating. Barcelona’s hierarchy need to communicate this decision carefully to maintain morale and ensure that every player feels valued.

Ter Stegen has a substantial contract with Barcelona, reflecting his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Putting him in the third-choice position would mean that a high-value asset would not be used to his full potential on the pitch, which raises questions about his wages and the possibility of renegotiating his contract. Clubs don’t usually pay high wages to players who aren’t playing, unless they’re injured. This would be an exceptional situation.

If Freixa’s idea does indeed work, it would radically change Barcelona’s transfer plans. Why bother looking for another top goalkeeper when ter Stegen is still on the books, even if only as third choice? It would signal a belief in young goalkeepers, making external recruitment less urgent. However, it would also cost a lot of money on a player who is not a regular starter, which could limit the budget available for other positions in the squad.

Freixa’s proposal forces us to reconsider Barcelona’s long-term goalkeeping strategy. Is it about nurturing young talent with less pressure? Or is it a way to manage the decline of an older player while still extracting value from his experience? This vision would represent a major change from the way most top clubs operate. It could pave the way for a more flexible, less hierarchical approach to the player’s role, one that puts health and long-term development first.

Football analysts’ in-depth analysis of the goalkeeper role
Many football analysts find Freixa’s idea unconventional. Most agree that a player of ter Stegen’s quality should be playing regularly, not sitting on the bench. Some point out that top goalkeepers need consistent game time to maintain their form. Others argue that this is a risky move, not a strategic one. However, some experts may advocate a cautious recovery, seeing the value in carefully managing a player’s return, even if the “third-choice goalkeeper” tag is extreme.

Case studies of similar goalkeeper transfers
There are very few examples of a truly world-class goalkeeper becoming a third choice without suffering a serious, career-ending injury. Players often fight to regain their place or move to another club. Manuel Neuer, after a long-term injury, fought hard to regain his place at Bayern Munich, refusing to accept a lesser role. Petr Cech, after losing his starting place at Chelsea, moved to Arsenal to continue playing. These cases show that top goalkeepers are always eager to play. This makes Freixa’s idea truly uncharted territory for a player in the prime of his career, ter Stegen.

Europe’s top clubs usually have a clear first-choice goalkeeper and a reliable back-up. They don’t often have a “third choice” who is still a world-class talent with a huge salary. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City or Liverpool are focused on having two strong options, with young talent gradually being cultivated. Freixa’s proposal would be a differentiator for Barcelona. It could be seen as innovative or simply ineffective compared to its rivals.

Toni Freixa’s bold proposal for Marc-André ter Stegen’s future role at FC Barcelona poses an intriguing dilemma. On the one hand, it values the player’s health and a cautious return from injury, potentially protecting a valuable asset for years to come. On the other hand, it risks player morale, financial inefficiency and disrupts the traditional dynamics of the squad.

This unconventional strategy carries both great risk and potential reward. Is this a wise move to ensure Ter Stegen’s long-term commitment, or a mistake that damages the team’s cohesion and wastes a key player? Only time will tell whether this seemingly radical proposal is a progressive approach to player management or a dangerous break from the club’s stability.