LaLiga 2018-19: FC Barcelona 3-0 SD Eibar - 5 Talking Points

#1 Philippe Coutinho puts up a reassuring performance

Philippe Coutinho made his opportunity count and put up a refreshing performance in the left-wing. He was heavily involved in each attacking passage of the Blaugrana.

The Philippe Coutinho conundrum has put the club and its fans under deep thoughts for the past few matchdays. When the Brazilian played as a substitute, it became more and more clear that the left-wing is not suitable for him. Dembele's pivotal performances put him out of the starting lineup for good. Even in the midfield, Valverde couldn't take gambles with Coutinho as a starter.

When starting in the left wing against Levante he disappointed again. He was also starting to be called a flop transfer and even transfer talks to Manchester United started emerging. It wasn't his fault, the left-wing isn't suited for him and it was difficult to find a place to fit him in. However, Valverde continued to show faith in him as he rested Dembele against Eibar.

This time Coutinho delivered a reassuring performance for the fans and proved that he could indeed get over his rough patch. Coutinho adjusted to his less-favored position as a left wide attacker than a left-wide midfielder. He did not bring up his finesse shot which shows that he is not looking to force, what at some stages looks like the only skill he possesses. Instead, he relied more on passing and running inside.

He was perhaps unlucky not to win a penalty when he played a brilliant one-two with Suarez. The same one-two passing set up Suarez's first goal. He got one assist and completed four dribbles. He made 86% of his passes, second to none of the attacking players. He made 48 passes out of 56. Later on, when Arthur was brought off, he played in the midfield and excelled there as well.

Barcelona needs all their players in form when the knockout stages arrive in the Champions League. Needless to say, the only one who truly was going through a rough patch is returning back to his best. Even the Phoenix rises from its own ashes but first, it has to burn.