The spectacular stats behind Barcelona’s inspired summer decision

Barcelona’s determination to signal Joan Garcia can not be thought-about of venture.

It’s because the previous Espanyol keeper has grow to be probably the most decisive gamers in La Liga this season, and the numbers go away little room for debate.

Thus far, Garcia has featured in 19 league matches and recorded a powerful save share of 79.41%, stories Mundo Deportivo.

In easy phrases, he’s stopping nearly eight out of each ten pictures on track he faces.

Amongst goalkeepers who’ve performed a significant variety of matches within the championship, that’s the greatest determine within the league.

There may be extra to the story

Consistency has been the inspiration of his rise. Throughout these 19 appearances, Garcia has conceded simply 14 objectives whereas producing 54 key saves.

His common of two.84 saves per match exhibits his reliability. All this has come amid the truth that he’s not supported by a powerful line of defense.

Essentially the most hanging metric, nonetheless, comes from the anticipated objectives (xG) mannequin.

Based mostly on the standard of possibilities confronted, Garcia ought to have conceded 21.68 objectives this season. As a substitute, he has allowed solely 14.

Meaning he has prevented 7.68 objectives above expectation, which is an enormous margin. In a decent title race, these saved objectives can simply translate into additional factors.

This knowledge positions him as arguably probably the most reliable goalkeeper in La Liga this marketing campaign.

It’s not nearly flashy stops. It’s about making the save when the group wants it most – at 0-0, at 1-1, or defending a slim lead late within the recreation.

Barcelona’s ambitions this season stretch throughout a number of competitions. In that context, having a goalkeeper who delivers week after week is crucial.

As such, Joan Garcia’s rise isn’t any coincidence. His performances have added calmness and safety to the again line.

Extra importantly, they’ve bolstered the idea that Barcelona made a good move.