Szczesny vs Pena – Comparing Barcelona goalkeepers’ numbers after 22 games each | OneFootball

Since joining the club following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury, the Polish goalkeeper has gained Hansi Flick’s trust and now firmly leads the pecking order ahead of Inaki Pena, who at one point had the first-team spot within reach.

Fast forward to the date, Szczesny completed his 22nd game for Barcelona against Leganes, which is the same number as Pena this season, making it an ideal moment for comparison.

A look at the numbers

Interestingly, statistics tell a very obvious story. While the veteran keeper has conceded 18 goals—an average of 0.81 per match—Pena has 25, with a higher average of 1.14.

What is more important is the fact that Barcelona have not lost a single match with Szczesny in goal, while Pena has suffered five defeats.

With the appearance of the Pole, Barcelona’s defensive structure has improved significantly in recent months, something that has been extremely evident in recent weeks.

Wojciech Szczesny has delivered better numbers. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Except for the match against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Benfica in the Champions League, two games where he conceded four goals, his record is remarkably solid: just 10 goals conceded in the remaining 20 games.

Furthermore, Szczesny’s clean sheet record is something to be very proud of. In fact, he has kept 12 clean sheets from 22 appearances—a 54% success rate. In comparison, Pena has managed only six clean sheets across his outings.

It must be noted that with Ter Stegen now close to returning to full fitness, many feel a natural transition back to the old No.1 would be in order.

However, Szczesny’s consistency has changed the narrative. His renewal for another season is said to be close, while Pena could be heading for the exit door.

What is clear is that Szczesny has made himself almost undroppable.