Andrés Iniesta, one of Barcelona’s all-time greats, didn’t hold back after the team suffered a 3–2 defeat to Villarreal at Camp Nou. He openly criticized Marc-André ter Stegen, arguing that the goalkeeper “hasn’t been providing the level of performance the club requires” and “doesn’t demonstrate the tactical awareness needed to excel here.”
Ter Stegen has just returned from a lengthy layoff due to a serious knee tendon injury and, so far this season, he’s appeared uncertain—often slow to anticipate the movements of opposing forwards and visibly lacking confidence. Supporters have even started calling him “Ter Statue” in jest. Iniesta’s remarks have only intensified the debate over the goalkeeper position: the club must either take steps to restore Ter Stegen’s previous sharpness or consider recruiting a different first-choice keeper to bring stability back to Barcelona’s defensive line.
