Portugal star defends Ter Stegen after error-ridden performance in Monaco defeat

Portugal star defends Ter Stegen after error-ridden performance in Monaco defeat

Faruq Ibrahim 22:54 - 20.09.2024

Barcelona's Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been defended from criticism by another goalkeeper in LALIGA.

Real Betis’ goalkeeper Rui Silva has come to the defence of Barcelona's Marc Andre Ter Stegen after the Germany international received a slew of criticism following his error-ridden performance in the 2-1 defeat to Monaco last night

The 32-year-old shotstopper’s short pass forced Eric Garcia to foul his marker, which earned him a red card. And Ter Stegen has been told he could do better for both goals he conceded. 

What Rui Silva said 

Silva, who has earned a cap with the Portugal national team, defended the German, stating that there is a tendency for goalkeepers to be scapegoated.

“When a goalkeeper makes a mistake, it is a disappointment, but that has always happened and will continue to happen,” he said, per GSFN.

Rui Silva || Image credit: Imago
Rui Silva || Image credit: Imago

“You have to understand that we are humans. It is impossible to be 100% infallible. Even goalkeepers who are completely focused make mistakes. I think it is somewhat unfair that they are targeting us because when a striker makes a mistake, that does not happen.”

He went on to praise Ter Stegen and said he looked up to the former Borussia Monchengladbach goalie, suggesting he mirrors his game around him. 

Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen || Credit: Imago
Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen || Credit: Imago

“Marc-André is top-notch and has a great ability to adapt. He has been showing his quality for many years and I am sure he will recover very quickly; that is what makes the difference between one team and another. I am sure that a goalkeeper 

of that level will give the best response in the next game he takes to the field.

“I have always looked up to goalkeepers like Vitor Baía, Iker Casillas, Buffon and Rui Patricio. Ter Stegen is now my reference because he is a complete goalkeeper and I would like to be like him and improve in all my good and bad aspects. It is important to have a model to look up to and Marc is one of them.”