BARCELONA -- Last November, Barcelona tweeted a photograph of Lionel Messi hugging Marc-Andre ter Stegen with the caption: "The two biggest reasons we are where we are right now."
The tweet drew outrage because fans felt it diminished the role of the other players in the squad and Barca followed up with another post explaining that "all our players contribute to our success." However, one year on, it remains undeniable that Messi and Ter Stegen are the keys to Ernesto Valverde's side prospering this season.
In a Barca side that is struggling in defence -- they have conceded more than nine other teams in the league and are winless in three ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game against Tottenham -- Ter Stegen's handwork, and footwork, has become increasingly important.