Top 5 Barcelona first team players who have developed immensely under Ernesto Valverde

#5: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

FC Barcelona v Olympiakos Piraeus - UEFA Champions League

Perhaps not suiting the ideal definition of 'development', ter Stegen's sudden rise of stature is undoubtedly the prime reason behind Barcelona's defensive heroics. 'The Best Defensive Side in Europe and Spain' doesn't go with an attack-minded team like FC Barcelona.

The Catalans have had defensive problems traditionally and with an assertable exception of Victor Valdes, no Barcelona goalkeeper in recent history has earned himself a title corresponding to being the best shot-stopper in the world at the moment. However, things look bright for the German who is set to be the next big thing in world football.

"He [Stegen] is key and we are happy to have him with us." - Sergio Busquets

The second choice keeper during Claudio Bravo's reign at Barcelona, ter Stegen took most of the opportunity present by Luis Enrique after the former was left with only reliable goalkeeper following Bravo's move to City.

However, Stegen didn't really earn the limelight until Ernesto Valverde entered the fray. The German has earned his place as the first-choice keeper, benching a more experienced Jasper Cillessen. Conceding just 0.44 goals on average this season, the German manages to keep out over 2.44 goal-bound efforts per game. With ten clean sheets to his name, ter Stegen only concedes one after grabbing over 5.5 saves per game.

ter Stegen in training

The biggest improvement in Stegen's game is certainly his efforts against long-rangers. The German famously conceded two wonder-goals from Real Madrid's starlet Marco Asensio in the Super Cup but has kept out all but one super strike from Getafe's Gaku ever-since. Stegen's confidence has also improved largely under Valverde and the German has developed into a strong dressing-room figure for the Catalan club.

“I know what's coming. I am informed about all this. I know that the demand here is high and that winning is the only way" - Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Not only with his hands, ter Stegen earns the title of being one of the best goalkeepers at the moment with the added contribution on his feet. The German has a distribution success rate of over 85% in the Spanish League, a rare feat for a goalkeeper but everything that a team like Barcelona demands from their man between the sticks.

Barcelona fans unequivocally see a futuristic leader in the German and would desire to witness a remarkable career by the shot-stopper at the Nou Camp.