LaLiga 2018/19, Barcelona 3-1 Leganes: 5 Talking Points

#1 Promising league debut for Carles Alena

Alena made a promising start

Valverde opted to rest Ivan Rakitic, giving young Carles Alena the start. Alena is the best product to emerge from La Masia in quite a few years, and the early signs are promising. The Spaniard impressed in his LaLiga debut, even if it was not perfect.

Alena completed all of his five dribbles in the game and created two chances as well. He likes to run with the ball, and this trait of his was evident.

He played much higher compared to fellow midfielders Busquets and Arthur, almost as a No.10. At times he was sloppy in possession and defensively caught out, but those should recede in due time.

As the schedule gets busier, the opportunities will increase for Alena. The ability is there, and he can follow in the footsteps of other La Masia graduates over the years.