“People from outside don’t know how difficult it is to be goalkeeper,” says Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he analyses his unique position at a unique club.

“Every position is difficult but you’re always involved in the biggest chances of the opponent, when there’s a goal you’re always involved. It’s difficult to explain but this is the importance of the goalkeeper: he’s always concentrated even if he’s not running as much as other players. He always needs to be focused.”

If being the last line of defence at Barcelona - arguably the biggest institution in world football - sounds onerous, then at least the rewards are spectacular. Ter Stegen, also Germany's No1 while Manuel Neuer is injured, has won nine trophies in less than four years at the club, and is conducting this interview at their training ground the day after qualifying for the Copa del Rey final for a record fifth consecutive season.

Barca are also seven points clear at the top of La Liga and are one of the favourites for the Champions League, with a last 16 tie against Chelsea their first obstacle on the road to the final in Kiev. They are also the only team in Europe’s top five leagues yet to be beaten.