Marc-André Ter Stegen is Amazing at 1 v. 1 Stops

The German keeper has an argument for being the best in the world

Marc-André Ter Stegen kept another clean sheet as FC Barcelona defeated Levante 3-0. The German was called into action a couple of times, notably on a one-on-one chance against Shaq Moore.

It’s precisely in those situations that the keeper is excelling in this season. According to data from StrataBet, Ter Stegen has saved 13 out of 16 one-on-one chances.

Ter Stegen has faced 16 1vs1 shots in the 2017/18 Liga. He has saved 13 and conceded 3. (vis @StrataBet)

— Erdi (@barcanumbers) January 7, 2018

Ter Stegen has also been good in shot-stopping overall as well. According to one xG-based analysis, Ter Stegen saves around 60% more shots than an average keeper would. That would make him the best in La Liga:

According to my GK performance index , Barca and Atletico have had by far the two best GK's in La Liga this season.

Barca's Stegen and Atletico's Oblak have saved around 60% and 50% more shots than expected, respectively. http://pic.twitter.com/Anv43X8Wqd

— Row-Z Report (@RowzReport) January 7, 2018

A goalkeeper’s ability in one-on-one situations is important to play like Barcelona does, because the team presses high up and plays the offside trap. If the other teams break through, their forward will usually have a clear view at goal.

Being able to sweep effectively and save those one-on-one duels is something Barça needs. Víctor Valdés often spoke about that as being the most important part of being a keeper at Barcelona.

Ter Stegen is doing a wonderful job so far.

Source: Luis Mazariegos http://ift.tt/2meZAHX