It took Marc-Andre ter Stegen two full seasons to cement his status as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper after joining the Catalan giants from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2014.The Germany international failed to make a single La Liga appearance during his debut campaign at the Camp Nou but featured in 21 cup games as Barça won both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.It wasn’t until the start of the 2016-17 season, after Claudio Bravo had left Barça for Manchester City, that Ter Stegen finally became the club’s No. 1 in the league.Since succeeding Bravo, Ter Stegen has barely put a foot wrong.In fact, it could be argued that the German shot-stopper has exceeded all expectations.

Ter Stegen is ideal for Barcelona

Ter Stegen is the ideal goalkeeper for Barcelona: always focused, ready to make saves when called upon, and exceptional with the ball at his feet.

Like Ederson at Manchester City, you get the impression that Ter Stegen could do a job in central midfield if Barça were ever low on outfield players.

For one reason or another, however, Ter Stegen’s name is rarely mentioned when football fans - or pundits, for that matter - are asked to name the world’s best goalkeepers.

They’ll reel off the usual suspects: David de Gea, Manuel Neuer, Jan Oblak, Thibaut Courtois and even Gianluigi Buffon who, at 40, is no longer the world-class keeper that he was until relatively recently. Sorry, but it needed to be said.

Ter Stegen deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as those keepers, based on his performances over the past couple of seasons.

Like Victor Valdes, he doesn’t receive the credit he deserves because Barça’s attacking superstars inevitably get all the headlines.

What fans have been saying about Ter Stegen this season

Throughout this season, many Barça’s supporters have taken to social media to express their belief that Ter Stegen is the most underrated goalkeeper in Europe right now…

Those who watch him perform regularly will find it hard to disagree.

What Hart said about Ter Stegen last month is spot on

Among his admirers is West Ham and England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who praised Barça’s No. 1 in an interview with The Times last month.

“He’s phenomenal,” Hart instead. “He’s ridiculous with his feet, I’ve never seen anyone so calm with distribution.

“He’s got these massive hands, he’s very confident in all the saves.”

Well said, Joe.

Is Marc-Andre ter Stegen currently Europe’s most underrated keeper? Have your say by leaving a comment below.