#3 Marlon Santos
A loanee from Fluminense, Brazilian centre-back Marlon Santos proved to be an effective defensive replacement for Barcelona. Making his professional debut for the Catalans in a UEFA Champions League clash, the Brazilian is known for his composed defending and control over the ball.
Amidst Barcelona's efforts to sign OGC Nice midfielder, Seri, in the summer, they ended up loaning Marlon Santos to the French club.
Ernesto Valverde's promises - about the development of Barcelona's youth under the wings of the first team - haven't materialized yet and Marlon's untimely departure added to the worries of Barcelona fans in an already tragic transfer window in the summer of 2017.
With Valverde's lack of reliance on Vermaelen and age-related problems of the latter, Marlon has been predicted to lead the Barcelona defense in near future. Valverde also made sure that he knew all about Marlon as the former was instrumental in Barcelona's pre-season.