Happy Birthday Ernesto Valverde: 5 reasons why the current Barca coach deserves props for his role

#2 Integrating the youngsters/new signings into the team without many altercations

Carles Alena has been looking more fluid and more composed with each passing game.

When Clement Lenglet arrived, he was just another signing that Barcelona made. Now when Umtiti has been plagued with injuries, Valverde has done a really good job in turning him into a usual starter ahead of Thomas Vermaelen or trying Busquets in the center-back spot.

When Ousmane Dembele came back from injury, he was not the best of players. He was just another 'overhyped teenager' who loses the ball quite often. Look at him now, how good is he? He has been scoring goals for fun and has been showing great improvement regarding attitude.

So, what if Valverde didn't put that trust on him when he had problems blending into the team? We would have missed a big potential player, we would not be cursing our fate because of his injury. What about Arthur Melo? A kid who impressed with Gremio in Brazil and Valverde starts with him in the Champions League game against Tottenham.

Not only did that do a world of good to the kid, but it also made life easy for him in the upcoming games. Arthur is now a proper starter at Barcelona and he could boss the midfield even against Kroos and Modric as he did in the Clasico.

Arturo Vidal was a questionable signing at the start. What questions are there now? He gives his 100% when he is on the field and Valverde does use him effectively, as an engine for the team rather than the creative player.

Then we have to mention Chumi, Miranda, and Alena. Chumi has started in many Copa Del Rey games this season and trains regularly with the first team. Miranda was awarded a start in the Champions League game against Tottenham. How would that be for him? Alena is now more confident with the team and more fluid with his passes and linkups. Valverde has chosen the right time to get him with the first team.

In short, all the things we said above point to one thing. Despite the opinion that Valverde doesn't trust youngsters, he has trusted a lot of them that we don't call youngsters because they are undisputed starters now.