The bombproof patience of the new Víctor Valdés

In modern football, patience is a rare commodity, especially in a position as exposed as goalkeeper, where one mistake can outweigh dozens of successes. This constant demand, both technical and mental, defines a goalkeeper's career. And few exemplify this better than Arnau Tenas. Having come through the entire La Masia academy, Tenas grew up under the pressure of an uncompromising system and with the label of future successor to Víctor Valdés, the most decorated goalkeeper in FC Barcelona history. The perspective of his mentor

Denis Silva, current member ofstaff From Chelsea's first team, he coached him for three seasons at La Masia (Under-14 A, Under-18 B, and Under-18 A) and remembers a goalkeeper with a very strong personality from a young age. "He was a leader, with a lot of character. In the youth teams, he was one of the captains," he explains. A leadership that wasn't limited to wearing the armband, but was manifested in the way he organized the team from the back and took responsibility in high-pressure situations. "He had a ball distribution that few goalkeepers have had at Barça," his former coach emphasizes. His ability to play short passes, find the free man, and read long balls fit perfectly with the Barça style of play. "He had a great understanding of the game; he grasped the style from a young age." All of this is even more impressive considering his physical attributes. "He wasn't an imposing goalkeeper, but he got where he is because he was not only very good in goal, but exceptional with his feet," Silva adds.

Arnau was a European Under-19 champion in 2019 and an Olympic gold medalist in Paris 2024, where he was a key player with an average of 2.8 saves per game and a memorable performance in the final against France, with eight saves and an assist to seal the title.

A regular in the national youth teams, he was even called up to the senior squad in 2022, although he didn't make his debut. A year later, in 2023, he played in the Under-21 European Championship final, which they lost by a single goal to England (1-0). Despite the defeat, only three goals conceded throughout the tournament confirmed his talent.

The invisible limit

However, Denis Silva also points out what, in his opinion, has been the biggest obstacle in his career: "He's talented, has good positioning, is very professional, and has a great understanding of the game, especially for coaches who want to play out from the back," he explains. But he adds a key detail: "In the air, on corner kicks, he'll struggle. There's always something missing, and in his case, it's that extra bit of height."

With no realistic chances of establishing himself in Barça's first team, Tenas opted for a change of scenery. In the summer of 2023, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, aiming to gain playing time at one of Europe's giants. The reality, however, was different. In Paris, the goalkeeper position already had an owner. Donnarumma was untouchable, and Tenas was relegated to a secondary role. In two seasons, he barely played eight matches. A new opportunity in Villarreal

Needing more playing time, the goalkeeper from Osona found a way to Villarreal. At the Estadio de la Cerámica, Luiz Júnior and Diego Conde awaited him, in a goalkeeping position without a clear hierarchy. Initially, Luiz Júnior secured the starting spot, but his inconsistency and, especially, a serious error against Juventus opened the door for him to take over.

Arnau Tenas's opportunity came at the Sánchez Pizjuán, where Villarreal emerged victorious (1-2). It seemed like the start of a possible change in momentum. However, consistency didn't come immediately. In the following match, Marcelino again opted for Luiz Júnior, who responded with a clean sheet against Athletic Club. However, in the next three matches, Tenas took over as the starting goalkeeper. It was a difficult period, during which the team conceded seven goals. The result was another twist: Luiz Júnior regained his place between the posts.

A situation that, according to Denis Silva, isn't surprising. "He's been missing that final step to make the definitive leap, whether it was to Barça, PSG, or now Villarreal. There's always something missing, and in his case, that's it. I thought he was going to play more."