Former coach predicts Barcelona star is destined to be Spain's future No.1: 'Could become one of the best in history' | Barca Universal

"Former Barcelona goalkeeping coach Ruben Martinez has delivered a powerful endorsement of Joan Garcia, making it clear that he believes the current Barcelona No.1 is destined to become Spain's starting goalkeeper in the future. Martinez's opinion carries weight, as he knows Garcia extremely well, having worked closely with him during his time as a goalkeeping coach with Spain's Under-21 national team, when Luis de la Fuente was in charge. Speaking in an interview with SPORT, Martinez did not hesitate to set the bar extremely high."

"Despite his strong performances, Garcia has not yet been called up by the senior national team. Martinez was asked whether the goalkeeper would accept a secondary role if selected. "Surely yes, but it's a decision that only the coach can make, and he will have his reasons. There are still a few months to go, and it's not out of the question. "The form of each goalkeeper will be assessed. It's not an easy decision, because Unai Simón has had a very good run, and in the end, they will decide." When questioned directly about whether he would take Garcia to a World Cup squad, Martinez again stressed balance and caution. "It's normal that when you put a team together, you try to take the best players. Both the coach and his staff will weigh the pros and cons. It's not an easy decision.""

Ruben Martinez strongly endorses Joan Garcia, predicting Garcia can become Spain's starting goalkeeper and one of the best for Barcelona and Spanish football. Martinez worked closely with Garcia at Spain Under-21s and during the Olympics and says Garcia's rapid rise was expected because he showed the attributes for a big team. Garcia has not yet been called up to the senior national side. Martinez accepts that selection decisions rest with the coach and warns choices will weigh current form, notably Unai Simón's strong run. Martinez highlights Garcia's composure as his standout quality and stresses caution over World Cup squad decisions.

Read at Barca Universal