Marc-Andre ter Stegen Is Right Goalkeeper for Barcelona's Champions League Tilt

Marc-Andre ter Stegen hasn't had too much media exposure since his transfer to Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The young German stopper may have been a little put out to have found himself in the position of being what is effectively Barca's cup 'keeper, but there's no argument that Claudio Bravo has deserved his place between the sticks in La Liga.

Only 19 goals conceded to this point is a fabulous return. If he were able to hold on for three more games, then it would be the second-lowest total over 38 games since Deportivo La Coruna's Francisco Liano conceded 18 in 1993/94.

Victor Valdes' 16 to win him the Zamora Trophy in 2010/11 came in 32 games.

In any event, Ter Stegen probably feels a little hard done by, but as he told Graham Hunter of UEFA.com, it's all part of the learning process.

"

It's difficult for me, being in and out of the team and not playing all the games, but that's part of the development of a player and I'm glad I can play in the Champions League and that we're in the Copa del Rey final. That's reward for my work.

"

So far, the German has played for the Catalans on 17 occasions, during which time he has conceded just 11 times.

The Champions League has been particularly good to him, and it's a competition he is enjoying:

"

It's a great feeling. You always associate something with the Champions League anthem—for us players, it's something special. When the anthem sounds I know it's time for the Champions League and I get goosebumps.

"

From Barcelona's perspective, it's manna from heaven to have a goalkeeper of Ter Stegen's calibre as back-up. With the greatest of respect to Jose Manuel Pinto, he was nowhere near the class of the youngster.

It's with that in mind that Barcelona can approach the games against Bayern Munich with confidence.

Ter Stegen has shown his immaculate concentration levels throughout the competition. From the first game and an injury-time save to deny APOEL a point, to a wonderful penalty stop from Sergio Aguero against Manchester City.

With opposite number Manuel Neuer potentially the only 'keeper better than him at present from an international perspective, both games give Ter Stegen the chance to stake a claim there, too.

Even Lionel Messi has noted the youngster's skills:

And the impact the 'keeper can have in the side:

It's easy to see why he is so highly rated, too:

"

Messi said he can be the very best.@Jnicee17 shows you why with 'Marc-André ter Stegen Ball Distribution 14/15' https://t.co/ru0XUNiA07

— K (@officialkari) May 5, 2015"

Barcelona have never really had such a luxury, and while the front players get all of the credit, it's about time to share the praise a bit.

If the Catalans ultimately qualify from this semi-final, Ter Stegen will have played just as important a part as anyone else.