Heading into this week’s match against Sevilla, fans wondered who would start for Barcelona at goalkeeper after Joan Garcia's injury, which will keep him out for nearly three weeks. Many didn’t worry about this debate initially, since Barcelona has an industry veteran in Wojciech Szczęsny, who has experience between the posts. However, his latest appearance against Racing Santander, when he came on for Garcia, worried fans because he looked so shaky.
Who Is Dominik Livaković
Heading into the offseason, a goalie wasn’t a call-to-action item for upper management, but it’s rare to see a 31-year-old keeper in Dominik Livaković sitting on the market. Barcelona and all the sport admirers will always remember his incredible performance versus Brazil during the 2022 World Cup when Croatia got the third place at the event. Besides, he knows what it means to compete at the level of Champions League matches, thanks to the experience he gained while playing with Dinamo Zagreb, aiding the team in obtaining victories over Atalanta 4-0 and Chelsea 1-0 in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
Livaković also brings something Barcelona could value during Garcia’s absence: familiarity with playing under pressure. High expectations have come with being the goalkeeper for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national side because one error could easily see his team go home.
Shot stopping, without question, is likely his strongest attribute. On an international scale, Livaković gained his fame through performances in penalty shootouts and knockout matches, including in Croatia’s run in the 2022 World Cup. Although experience might mean he adapts to a new system less than someone who is younger and has no experience of a new system, his experience means he may be better suited to the change than a backup would be.
The Debate
To kick off the goalkeeper debate, Hansi Flick started Livaković at goalkeeper, which definitely raised eyebrows. Following Barcelona’s 3-1 win vs Sevilla, that decision looked wise, even though Sevilla didn't really test the goalie, despite a great Sevilla goal that maybe even the 1% top goalies globally could save. That definitely isn’t to say that Sevilla is the same struggling team from the past few years.
They have come on strong to start the year and are a top-5 La Liga team statistically, which definitely adds value to the case for Livaković with both fans and management alike. However, it further opens the debate even further as to whether Livaković should get the start next week. Or should Flick switch back to Szczęsny, give his veteran keeper the benefit of the doubt for an off day, which can happen to anyone from time to time?
It could be the case that Flick's choice will rest more on consistency rather than reputation. Szczęsny is aware of what it takes to play under pressure due to his previous experience with top-notch football teams. On the other hand, Livaković has an opportunity to prove himself since he can stay calm with Garcia not playing.
One strong performance against Sevilla should not automatically settle the position, but it gives Flick another option at a time when Barcelona cannot afford uncertainty in goal. With Garcia expected to return relatively soon, this may not become a season-long competition. Still, Ltop-notchivaković has potentially given Barcelona something it did not know it needed: a legitimate debate over who should be standing between the posts if Joan Garcia is injured or playing not top notch.
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