Barcelona head-coach Ernesto Valverde has had a difficult time this season. After receiving a lot of criticism in his first campaign as the club’s manager for deploying the infamous 4-4-2, Valverde has reverted to the more dynamic and attacking 4-3-3 with the rise of Ousmane Dembele.
Barcelona’s performance against Espanyol was one of their best in recent games, with the players battling for possession in the dying moments of the game, despite being up 4-0. Several B-team players got the chance to showcase their talents midweek in the Copa del Rey, including the likes of Miranda, Carles Alena, and the current golden boy, Riqui Puig.