Wojciech Szczesny is set to start ahead of Inaki Pena in the Champions League clash against Benfica. The Polish goalkeeper has gained the confidence of Hansi Flick to play in big games. Performances against Athletic Club and Real Madrid have made him a strong candidate to start in high pressure and European games.
Mentality monster
Wojciech Szczesny is a keeper with immense experience, character and confidence. He has faced off against the biggest teams in Europe all his career and denied the most lethal attackers. This profile makes the Polish keeper an understandable replacement for Inaki Pena who is still very young and inexperienced in European competitions.
Relieving the pressure on Inaki
When you are FC Barcelona’s goalkeeper you are expected to make almost no mistakes. Inaki Pena is still a young keeper still only 25 and needs to be protected from too much pressure to keep developing. By starting Szczesny in big games Hansi Flick can protect the youngster from media criticism.
