Alejandro Balde is set to earn another start for FC Barcelona following his desplay against Real Sociedad

Good performances are rewarded with Xavi making an example of Alejandro Balde. The home-grown player played very well against Real Sociedad last time out and will be rewarded with a starting place against Valladolid this Sunday at 21:00.

The defender provided the assist for Lewandowski's first goal in Donosti in the first minute of the game. Balde wplayed for 64 minutes, before being replaced by Raphinha.

Against Valladolid, if nothing goes wrong, Balde will be in the starting line-up in a game that, on paper, should be easier than the second matchday.

The Blaugrana should dominate the game against a newly promoted side. With an attacking approach, either with a line of three or four defenders, Balde will be in his element.

The big casualty of this decision is Jordi Alba. With the emergence of the young home-grown player, the third captain could see his role changed, even more so if the Blaugrana club ends up signing another left-back, be it Marcos Alonso or Javi Galán.