Anders Astrabalaga: Everything you need to know about FC Barcelona’s goalkeeper after his heroics against Manchester City

FC Barcelona has found a new gem in them from Anders Astrabalaga. The 20-year-old goalkeeper saved crucial penalties in the pre-season match win against Manchester City.  His shot-stopping skills and his calmness have won him a lot of fans as the fans are intrigued to know more about the new goalkeeping sensation. 

Born on the 3rd of March 2004, Anders Astrabalaga is yet another product of the famed LA Massia system. He is currently playing with the B side of Barcelona better known as Barcelona Athletic. Anders Astrabalaga began his career with a Spanish side called Karabigane before moving to Athletic Bilbao. 

Barcelona’s 20 year old goalkeeper Ander Astralaga saves another penalty against Man City. 🧤🇪🇸pic.twitter.com/ksa8birIgs

— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) July 31, 2024

FC Barcelona snapped up the youngster in 2018 and has been a regular for the B side. After his contract expired in 2023 the youngster agreed to extend the deal for a further two years. The youngster has also represented the Spanish side in the age group levels and could soon lay stake for a starting spot in the senior side. 

Anders Astrabalaga: A star on the rise 

Young Anders Astrabalaga has been earmarked for greatness and his value to the future of FC Barcelona is very crucial. The young goalkeeper is very tall has a good reach and is very athletic. He has been a key player for Barcelona B side which is being coached by former star Rafael Marquez. 

The fact that FC Barcelona have given him a chance to shine during the pre-season tour is enough indication that he is set to be a huge player in the future. Just recently the club signed the young goalkeeper to a new two-year deal. 

The likes of Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati have given the Catalan fans a glimpse of the future. The addition of Anders Astrabalaga certainly adds more depth to the squad and his performances against Manchester City were worth its weight in gold. The youngster was comfortable with the ball at his feet and also stopped a few close shots. 

His composure in the box during set pieces and his ability to play the ball long was a glaring feature of his game. Anders Astrabalaga showed a different aspect of the game when he made the Man City attackers confused with his movements during the penalty shootout. Many fans already compared him to yet another Spanish star David De Gea for his composure and his long reach.