Barcelona veteran now showing worrying weaknesses in his game that have already cost the team | OneFootball

With the way he joined FC Barcelona and went on to play such an important role in such a successful season, Wojciech Szczesny has written quite a unique story for himself.

The Pole joined after Marc Andre Ter Stegen’s injury, and since the start of 2025, has been the fixed starter between the sticks for Hansi Flick. His performances in some games, like in the first leg against Benfica in the UCL Round of 16, have been crucial for the Blaugranes.

Wojciech Szczesny showing weaknesses

However, as Diario AS has noted, the Polish veteran’s form has declined to a worrisome level and there are some clear weaknesses noticeable in his game.

Although he cannot be held responsible for all of them, Barcelona have conceded eleven goals in their last five games, and Szczesny is not proving to be as decisive between the sticks as he did a couple of months ago.

A lot of the burden can be laid on his feet for the three goals scored by Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarter-final tie. He committed an avoidable penalty, which allowed Serhou Guirassy to score his side’s first goal. Then, he was also below his expected standard in the next two goals scored by the Germans.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. [Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images]

Problems dealing with set-pieces

His overall performance while defending set-pieces has been a particularly concerning point, which allowed Real Betis to hold Barcelona to a draw in La Liga.

Against Real Madrid, he was undecisive in both Mbappe’s free-kick, as he left his post uncovered by the wall, and in Aurelien Tchouameni’s header, was once again not dominant. Last night, he once again conceded two goals from set-pieces against Inter Milan.

Furthermore, he is also having problems dealing with crosses. This problem was quite apparent in the game against Celta Vigo, and could have once again cost the team last night, but an offside by Mkhitaryan saved the Pole’s blushes.

This dip in form could not have come at a worse time, as Ter Stegen is also nearing his return to availability. Thus, time is of the essence for Wojciech Szczesny to put things right, and the stage could not be any better than the second leg against Inter Milan.