Rakitic defends Ter Stegen for early-season errors

Ivan Rakitic has backed Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to remain crucial to the Camp Nou club, despite errors creeping into his game this season. Designated Barca’s cup goalkeeper, Ter Stegen contributed to last season’s treble success by playing all of their Copa del Rey and Champions League games, although he did not taste a minute of La Liga action as Claudio Bravo was given the nod. Ter Stegen has come in for criticism this term, having conceded a 50-yard goal from Mikel San Jose in Barca’s Supercopa de Espana defeat to Athletic Bilbao.