Diego Kochen the USMNT goalkeeper in El Clasico: Is he the heir to Marc-Andre ter Stegen?
La Masia is counting an exceptional talent for the future, and he could also guard the USMNT goal
Barcelona's La Masia youth academy regularly produces talent that could be exceptional, and the latest prospect could even be fought for by several countries in the coming years to defend their national goal. His name is Diego Kochen, he is 18 years old and has already participated in some training sessions with the first team.
Kochen was born in Miami, so he has American nationality, but his parents are of Peruvian and Venezuelan nationality so he could also be eligible to represent Spain making him a key target for both to secure his services.
Since he is considered one of the most promising players of Barcelona B and is expected to make the leap to the first team in the near future, due to his great qualities, he could even inherit Marc-Andre ter Stegen's spot as the starting pick between the sticks.
The U.S. youth player recently signed a long-term contract with Barcelona on March 19, until at least the end of the 2028 season, and as part of the agreement, Kochen was promoted to Barca Atletic, where he will be coached by Rafael Marquez.
There he will compete in the third division of Spanish soccer to gain crucial experience against adult men, and he will wear the number 24 shirt. However, he has been working regularly with the first team since Ter Stegen suffered a back injury in November, as he appears to be Barcelona's second choice now.
He has even come off the first-team bench 13 times this season and made his first-team debut in December, playing 29 minutes in a friendly against Liga MX side America in Dallas, Texas.
He signed a first contract in 2022 for three years when he turned 16 when he joined La Masia in 2019, while
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