Barça's Denis Suarez misses his chance to impress again

Erneso Valverde is struggling to manage Barcelona's large squad. With so many players, the Copa del Rey is often the only chance for some to get an opportunity to state their case for a regular spot in the team. Denis Suarez is one of the players in that category. The midfielder landed at Camp Nou with the aim of filling in for Andres Iniesta when he needed a rest, was injured or suspeneded... but he's not hit the expected heights. 

Denis's situation at Barça, 18 months later, is the same as when he arrived. The minutes Valverde has given him this season have dropped given he has not made the most of his opportunities. And they may drop even more with the arrival of Philippe Coutinho, who should be fit to make his debut in the coming weeks after his €140 million transfer from Liverpool. 

Against Espanyol on Wednesday, Suarez was active, trying to break in from the left and to create problems. His first half was OK and he could have opened the scoring with a clear chance inside the area. However, his level dropped in the second half. The left side carried little importance and all Barça's efforts went through the right, with Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal. With Luis Suarez's entrance, Denis dropped into midfield until heh was replaced by Rafinha. 

In total, he has played 938 minute, the majority from the bench. His lack of continuity and his lack of top level performances are not helping him realise his potential. Barça re-signing hime when he was one of Villarreal's best players. But you don't get too many chances at a club like Barça. For now, Valverde continues to back the 24-year-old, but keeping in mind the competition for places and the arrival of Coutinho, maybe he won't get many more chances.