Lenglet, Vidal and Arthur: Rating Barça's La Liga debutants

Lenglet, Vidal and Arthur: Rating Barça's La Liga debutants

Tres de los fichajes, bajo la lupa ante el Girona
Tres de los fichajes, bajo la lupa ante el Girona | sport

All three made their first league starts for Barcelona against Girona

It was a matter of time before Ernesto Valverde looked to use his squad. Maybe he waitied longer than expected, but rotations came against Girona. Umtiti, Rakitic, Coutinho and Sergi Roberto rested, replaced by Arthur, Lenglet, Semedo and Arturo Vidal. Four changes to give players a break ahead of Wednesday's game against Leganes at Butarque. 

It meant a first La Liga start in Barcelona colours for Lenglet, Vidal and Arthur -- although Lenglet and Arthur had started the Spanish Super Cup in Morocco. Barça looked refreshed from previous games. Vidal took Rakitic's place as the right interior, while Arthur filled the role usually reserved for Coutinho. Lenglet came in for Umtiti, rested after seeing red against PSV Eindhoven in midweek. 

Here's how the three new signings got on in their test of fire against Girona:

ClEment lenglet: 

It's unlikely he will have fond memories of his first league start for Barça. In the 35th minute, Gil Manzano showed him the red card after turning to VAR to review a clash with Pere Pons. At first, live, it didn't seem anything had happened, but after looking over the images the referee decided that the centre-back had elbowed Pons in the face, presumably voluntarily because he brandished a red card. Lenglet accepted the decision and left the pitch. That's the thing with VAR. When a decision is made, there's no going back. 

Barça were 1-0 up at the time and well on top. Everything changed then. Until then, the former Sevilla centre-back had done well. The player who was formed at Nancy was good with the ball at his feet. It's a shame that this red card will haunt his full La Liga debut for Barça at Camp Nou. 

ARTURO VIDAL: 

Not at 100 percent physically still and that, for a player with his characteristics, tells. The Chilean was active in the first half and even set up the opening goal for Lionel Messi. He picked the Argentine out brilliantly for a fine first time finish inside the area. As the game progressed, though, his involvement decreased and the minutes took their toll on him (he had to double his efforts with 10 men) until he was taken off in the 58th minute for Rakitic. He still needs time to be able to complete a full match. 

arthur: 

It's not concerning at this stage, but the Brazilian's first league start was disappointing. Wasn't involved in many big moments, didn't offer himself as much as expected and didn't help to create -- he hardly featured in attack. He looked motivated but at no point was able to link with the front three and didn't have a great understanding with his new teammates. 

Lenglet's red card didn't help because Busquets had to drop back into defence briefly and Arthur was left deeper in midfield. In the 58th minute, along with Vidal, he was taken off, replaced by Coutinho. He will get more chances, but he will have to do much more to convince Valverde that he's worth regular minutes. 

We're still waiting for Malcom...