Barcelona superstar can become the 49th first-team captain in club’s history

Barcelona under Hansi Flick are likely to see significant adaptation. It is still unclear if the team will take a turn for the better or worse with such a massive change incoming, but many believe the German tactician has what it takes to elevate the squad’s level.

While Flick will lead the team from the sidelines, the Catalans also require strong leaders on the field to keep the players on their toes. The captains naturally inherit that responsibility.

Sergi Roberto was the team’s first captain last season, but his contract ran out last month, and he is currently without a club. And at this point, it is still unknown if Barcelona will sign the player once more.

The next in line

If Roberto does not sign for Barcelona in the coming weeks, the onus of captaincy will fall on Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

With the right-back not guaranteed a regular starting spot under Xavi, Ter Stegen was the on-field captain for Barcelona for the majority of last season. Looking ahead, he could well shoulder the complete responsibility.

If the German star indeed becomes Barcelona’s new first captain, he will become the 49th player to claim the title in history.

The next captain of FC Barcelona? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Other goalkeepers who have stood in the same position are Antoni Ramallets and Andoni Zubizarreta.

An undisputed starter

Ter Stegen has now been at Barcelona for ten years, having joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, accruing 413 appearances in the process.

Ter Stegen has established himself as an undisputed starter for Barcelona over the years. Now entering his eleventh campaign in the Blaugrana colours, he is one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.

Flick’s arrival, needless to say, only further cements the German’s position in the team. He will thus serve as Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper next season, with Inaki Pena continuing as the first-choice backup.

Last season, the 32-year-old made 28 league appearances for…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-superstar-can-become-the-49th-first-team-captain-in-clubs-history/

Author : Adithya Eshwarla

Publish date : 2024-07-16 14:09:45

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