Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has moved to distance himself from comparisons to Lionel Messi despite being handed the nickname 'Messi with gloves'.
The 25-year-old German stopper has been praised for his passing ability of late, with his smart distribution an essential component in Ernesto Valverde's setup as they have opened up an 11-point lead at the top of La Liga.This has led to Ter Stegen receiving a wide range of plaudits, but after being compared in technical ability to five-time Ballon d'or winning Messi, he has moved to separate himself from the flattering moniker.'I'm being called "Messi with gloves"? I think he's had a great level over many years.You shouldn't compare yourself with that,' he said.'Of course my first goal is to save the balls. This is obviously the most important thing as a goalkeeper. You can be as good as you want with your feet but when you're making mistakes the opinions will change immediately.'For me, it's important that we have a philosophy that we want to solve things in a good way, but there are situations where you cannot do that. 'Of course our clear intention is to solve those situations at that level but again the focus is to save the balls. We work on that more than with the feet.'
Currently on international duty with Germany, Ter Stegen is set to be named between the sticks for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Brazil in the absence of Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer.And with Neuer closing in on a return to fitness ahead of this summer's World Cup, the Barcelona man knows he will need to be at his very best to stave off the competition.He said: 'In view of the World Cup, you have a rhythm and you know that you always have to have a good performance. This is what I'm doing. I'm just focusing on the present and trying to be well prepared when I'm with the national team.'I just want to be prepared well. How the coach is deciding is his decision. You have to look at how Manu is doing. Therefore, I'm just focused on the things that happen now. After that let's see how things are by then.'
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