Joan Garcia: Derby Denial Against Espanyol Was My Finest Barcelona Save

Joan Garcia has wasted no time stamping his authority on the Barcelona goal since arriving from city-rivals Espanyol last summer, and the 23-year-old already knows which moment stands above the rest.

Asked to name his best save in Blaugrana colours, Garcia pointed instantly to his acrobatic stop against former team-mate Pere Milla during the tense Catalan derby.

“I think my best save is the derby at Espanyol. That’s good. Not only technically, but also because of the moment of the game in which it was and what it meant to be able to continue with a draw,” he told radio programme El Larguero. “Also I made it against Pere, and we like to rib each other.”

The sprawling intervention preserved a precious point for Barcelona and drew lavish praise from head coach Hansi Flick, who admitted his side had been second-best on the night.

“We didn’t deserve it, I will be honest. I have to say thank you to Joan García because he played unbelievable. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Flick told reporters.

Garcia’s eye-catching performances have now earned a maiden call-up to the senior Spain squad ahead of forthcoming friendlies against Egypt and Serbia, leaving the youngster hopeful of a debut cap.

With his confidence soaring and a clean-sheet pedigree already established, Garcia has quickly become a fan favourite at Camp Nou and a key figure in Barcelona’s push for silverware on multiple fronts.