The crowded goalkeeping department at FC Barcelona last summer forced sporting director Deco to make some cuts.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was not in Hansi Flick’s plans, was shipped out on loan to AFC Ajax, while Inaki Pena left permanently.

Youngster Aron Yaakobishvili, who had returned after a loan spell last season, departed on a loan stint again.

Meanwhile, Diego Kochen, who served as the third-choice goalkeeper in the first team and a starter for Barça Atletic last term, also had to look elsewhere to continue his development.

The young shot-stopper made 20 appearances for the reserve team last season and was included in 40 first-team matchday squads, but a lack of playing time meant a loan move was the logical solution.

As such, Kochen joined Lyngby Boldklub on loan with a clear objective: play regularly, accumulate minutes and gain valuable experience.

Kochen left Barça for Lyngby. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That decision is already paying off. Kochen has established himself as Lyngby’s undisputed starter, playing all nine league matches so far and completing every minute.