Barcelona’s 25-year-old star focused on continuity despite competition from club veteran | OneFootball

In a recent report by Ivan San Antonio for SPORT, it is clear that young goalkeeper Inaki Pena remains firm in his pursuit of success at Barcelona.

Despite the intense competition for the starting spot in Barcelona’s goal, the 25-year-old is determined not to give up on his dream. He continues to work tirelessly with hopes of one day becoming the first-choice goalkeeper for the club.

Pena’s talent was on full display during Barcelona’s recent friendly against Manchester City in the United States. He played the first half and a portion of the second half, providing ample opportunity to showcase his skills.

His performance was particularly noteworthy as he faced significant challenges from Manchester City’s attackers, including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish.

One of Pena’s standout moments came early in the match when Haaland attempted an acrobatic shot. Pena was up to the task, making a double save to deny the Norwegian striker.

Later, he thwarted a dangerous free-kick from Grealish, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and positioning. Although he could not prevent goals that equalized the score at 1-1 and 2-2 before being substituted, Pena’s overall performance was impressive.

Pena knows who he is competing with

Inaki Pena made some crucial stops against Manchester City. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

It must be noted that throughout the summer, Pena received several intriguing offers, but none have tempted him to abandon his aspirations with Barcelona.

The club is also confident in Pena’s abilities, especially as they consider future needs. While there is a strong belief in the potential of youth team players for the long term, the immediate focus remains on having a reliable backup for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Given Ter Stegen’s history of injuries, having a dependable alternative like Pena is crucial.

Last season, Pena had a challenging period where he conceded several goals. However, internal reviews indicated that these issues were more related to the team’s defensive system rather than Pena’s individual performance.

His loan stint with Galatasaray also left a positive impression, with interest from teams like Betis and clubs in Turkey.

Pena shares a strong bond with Ter Stegen, whom he greatly admires. He understands his role and the competition with the current starter, but he remains realistic and motivated.

At 25 years old, he is determined to continue improving and contributing to Barcelona. He is committed to working hard every day to ensure that, if called upon, he will be ready to give his best for the team.