Barcelona manager Luis Enrique insists there is more to his club’s transfer policy than good looks when it comes to signing goalkeepers.
Enrique’s options between the sticks are something of an anomaly, with the boss spoiled for choice between two dashingly tall and fair-haired shot-stoppers – Jasper Cillessen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Cillessen was lauded with praise for his display in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening which sealed Barcelona’s place in the final of the Copa del Rey.
The Dutchman was assured and composed with the ball at his feet, and pulled off a string of fine saves to ensure the Catalan giants progressed 3-2 on aggregate.
Asked about the 27-year-old’s performance after the game, Enrique was clearly in a jovial mood after booking their final berth, and his answer will have raised a chuckle or two among reporters.
‘Jasper was great between the posts,’ Enrique told Sport. ‘We don’t just sign goalkeepers because they’re blonde and handsome, but because they’re good with their feet and at starting play, making saves… that’s why we signed him.’
Despite the high praise from his manager, Cillessen has had to patient for chances in the first team since signing for Barcelona in the summer.
The keeper has made just nine appearances, with the majority of his outings coming in the cup. He has played just once in the league and made his sole Champions League start in the 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
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