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Three talking points from Barcelona’s win over Sevilla

By Ernesto Hernandez

Raphinha celebrates scoring against Sevilla to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Raphinha celebrates scoring against Sevilla to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona goalie Marc Andre Ter Stegen has recaptured the form that made him one of the top netminders in the world. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona goalie Marc Andre Ter Stegen has recaptured the form that made him one of the top netminders in the world. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) /

Ter Stegen seems to be back to his best

Sevilla had Barcelona against the ropes for the first 25-30 minutes of the match. Had this game taken place last season, they may well have been up one or two goals in that span.

The difference: Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The German goalkeeper kept Sevilla at bay, making a couple of superb saves that he might not have made a year ago.

Getting to rest over the summer has played a big role in his early season resurgence. But having an improved defense also helps. It means he’s no longer being left one-on-one with an opposing attacker.

“Things have changed with Xavi, he is clear in his ideas, something that we did not have in the past few years,” Ter Stegen said. “The defensive system is different and it helps me. We’re working super well as a team.”

He has three clean sheets in four games. The only goal he conceded came against Real Sociedad after Frenkie de Jong lost the ball in midfield. The resulting shot also took a deflection on its way in.

If Barcelona has recovered the best version of Ter Stegen, it would be a significant boost to Xavi and what he hopes to accomplish this season.

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