5 Best Barcelona players this season 

#4 Samuel Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti sees off the attentions of Simone Zaza with elan

In a world which has the patience of a gnat sitting on a gnu (which is none at all, in case you were wondering) Samuel Umtiti was already being written off after a few poor performances here and there in his initial seasons at the Camp Nou, but Barca - and Umtiti - have proved why it's good not to have knee-jerk reactions when it comes to allowing footballers to settle into their new teams.

Umtiti has been a rock in the heart of that Barca defence - and recent injury notwithstanding - has been the most impressive performer in a collective improvement from the entire backline. His presence of mind, speed, spatial awareness and growing chemistry with the ever-excellent Gerard Pique means he's also favourite to be France's first choice Centre-back at the World Cup.