Espanyol 0-4 Barcelona - 5 Talking Points, LaLiga 2018/19

#3 Vidal is looking like a shrewd acquisition

Vidal has started the last three league games

Many speculated if Arturo Vidal would find a place in the side when he was signed in the summer, and the early weeks supported their argument. But the Chilean's Barca career has taken off in recent weeks. He put in another solid display against Espanyol, a game which saw his third consecutive league start.

Injuries to Arthur and Sergi Roberto has thrust Vidal into the lineup, and he has responded well. He may not be technically as good as Arthur, but his energy and drive have been useful. Valverde can rely on him to give his all in each game, and his presence has provided some bit in midfield, not unlike to what Paulinho did last season.

He looks primed to start in midfield for a couple of weeks, which is a turnaround for a player who was not near the first eleven in the early part of the season.