Key Barcelona transfer target’s ex-trainer says he’ll become the best in the world in his position | OneFootball

After enjoying significant stability for almost a decade, the goalkeeping position at FC Barcelona is set to undergo a significant change ahead of the next season.

The Blaugranes have been closely linked with the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia very strongly in the last few weeks, and as things stand, they are planning to sign him by paying his €25 million release clause as soon as possible, and then wait for his registration to bring him under Hansi Flick’s command for the next season.

Former coach speaks highly of Joan Garcia

There is no doubt that this will be a very exciting addition to the Barcelona squad, but this excitement would have increased further after hearing the opinion of one of his former coaches.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Jesus Salvador, the current goalkeeping coach at At-Ittihad and the former goalkeeping coach at RCD Espanyol, who trained Joan Garcia for four years, spoke highly of his former protégé.

Salvador spoke about Garcia in a recent interview, and was quite confident that he would go on to become the best goalkeeper in the world:

“The one who’s going to be the best goalkeeper in the world is Joan García. I’m not saying he is right now, but he will be. I know his potential very well, and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg — he needs to be given big nights. He’ll make mistakes, like Neuer, Valdés, Ter Stegen, Diego López… like all of them, but we all knew how good he was from the moment we saw him.”

A different challenge at Barcelona

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Salvador highlighted one particular aspect of the goalkeeper’s personality that will make him a world-beater:

“Right from the start, you can tell he’s a good goalkeeper — just from the conversations. He understood any correction easily; it wasn’t hard for him to adjust… He is very intelligent; he understands the game and what’s being asked of him. He has an innate talent for adapting to any style of play… Playing far from the box is fundamental for a goalkeeper.”

The coach went on to highlight how things have not really been easy for the Spaniard at Espanyol, but still, he turned out to be an exceptional player, and also highlighted how things will be different for him at Barcelona:

“There were doubts about whether to play him already… but the result wasn’t what was expected. He was a young kid coming off limited playing time due to knee injuries. But they were patient, and it turned out well.”

“He’s used to facing many goal-scoring chances, and now, if he ends up at Barcelona, it’ll be the complete opposite. He won’t have as much work, but when he does, he’ll have to be extremely efficient. That requires immense focus. That part doesn’t worry me about Joan — he’s ready to raise his level.”

These words from a person with whom Joan Garcia has spent a long time training would definitely excite Barcelona fans. But for now, it remains to be seen when he will join the Blaugrana team, and what will happen with the other goalkeepers in the squad.