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Montage of Iñaki Peña with Ter Stegen

Neither Iñaki Peña nor Ter Stegen: Hansi Flick and Laporta Choose Barça's Goalkeeper

Barcelona already has a future goalkeeper in mind for the team: a promising young talent.

Barcelona's experiencing a key moment in shaping its future between the posts. Although Iñaki Peña and Marc-André ter Stegen are the most well-known names, there are young talents with great potential in the blaugrana academy.

Among them, one of the most outstanding is Diego Kochen, who is emerging as the future goalkeeper of the club. Hansi Flick and Joan Laporta have great hope in him and everything indicates that the American could be the key piece in the coming years.

Diego Kochen's Rise

At 18, Diego Kochen has shown an impressive level that has put him on the radar of both Barça and the United States national team. Although he still plays in the reserves, his evolution has been fast and constant. This young goalkeeper has been a starter in Barça B's recent matches, standing out for his security under the posts and his spectacular saves.

Young goalkeeper in green uniform in defensive position in front of the goal on a soccer field.
The goalkeeper who's shining in the reserve team | FC Barcelona

Kochen joined Barça in 2019 from the Marcet Foundation and has been climbing the ranks in the club ever since. He started in the lower categories and gradually earned the coaching staff's trust. Despite his young age, he has already been drafted several times by the United States national team, highlighting his great potential.

Hansi Flick and Laporta's Trust

Hansi Flick, the current first-team coach, has set his sights on Diego Kochen as one of the pillars of the future. The German coach trusts Kochen, who's been promoted to the first team to train with the best. Kochen is seen as the natural successor to ter Stegen, who, despite still being a key piece, won't be eternal.

On the other hand, Joan Laporta, the club's president, is also convinced that Kochen has what it takes to succeed at Barça. His contract until 2028 is a clear sign of the long-term commitment the club has made to him.

Moreover, his great skill with his feet and his ability to lead from the goal make him a complete goalkeeper who could be essential in Barça's play style.

Barça's Future

Despite the competition from Astralaga and Iñaki Peña, Diego Kochen is emerging as the future leader of the blaugrana goal. With his great season in the reserves, his career is expected to continue growing at an accelerated pace. Barça is clear: Diego Kochen is the goalkeeper of the future.