He’s a phenomenon!’ – Wojciech Szczesny has already made a big impression on Barcelona team-mates as rival goalkeeper Inaki Pena hails Polish veteran

Barcelona captain and long-term goalkeeper Ter Stegen suffered a heartbreaking anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear last month, and the Catalan side were quick to sign Szczesny as a free agent to replace the German once it was confirmed that he would miss the rest of the season. The Polish goalkeeper announced his retirement from the game last season, but decided to return to the sport when Barcelona came calling.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sczcesny has joined Hansi Flick’s squad and has started training with the team but has not yet made his debut with the side as Inaki Pena is currently serving in goal. Despite the latest signing, Flick has made it clear that Pena and Sczcesny will compete with each other to serve as the number one. Regardless, Pena has been very supportive of his 34-year-old rival.

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  WHAT PENA SAID

  Speaking to the media about Szczesny, Pena said: “As a person, he is a phenomenon.

  “We know that he is a goalkeeper with a lot of experience, who has played for many European teams at the Champions League level and he is going to help us. In terms of competitiveness, we train at 100 per cent so that the manager gives us opportunities and he decides. Today it is my turn and we will see what happens in the future, we never know.

  “He came to compete, to help, to add another goalkeeper and they saw the opportunity to sign him and with him, on a personal level, I’m doing very well and very happy.”

• WHAT NEXT FOR SZCZESNY?

  Flick revealed last week that Pena will be the starter for Barcelona against Bayern Munich on October 23, and Real Madrid on October 26. However, it is possible that Szczesny could play in either one of the matches if he impresses in training.