Malcom delivering again calls into question Coutinho
The young Brazilian forward has not been given many games but always seems to produce
Ivan Rakitic saw the opportunity and launched a deep pass on the left wing for Malcom to bound onto and set up Leo Messi for Barcelona’s second goal in the 2-0 win over Espanyol. A usual play for Barca, except it was Malcom rather than Jordi Alba making that run on the left.
The Brazilian, 22, tried to take advantage of a rare opportunity given to him by Ernesto Valverde and did so. With Ousmane Dembele injured and Philippe Coutinho playing badly, this should be his time to shine.
Malcom arrived at Camp Nou with a 41m euro transfer fee after Barca snatched him from Monchi at Roma, raising the pressure on him.
He has had some difficulty adapting to the style of the team and was injured at an unfortunate time - so has only started one league game, against Real Betis. Barca lost 4-3 and he was taken off after 57 minutes.
The Brazilian has featured in 16 of 46 matches this season, often for just five or six minutes.
There are links to him leaving to China or elsewhere and despite his youth few talk about him being part of Barca’s future plans.
However he has tried to bring his youth, speed and directness when he has been given a chance. He cried like a child when he netted his first goal, against Inter in the UCL, saving Barca a point.
He also scored against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final, allowing Barca to go to the Bernabeu on an even keel.
Then he made a contribution again against Espanyol, setting up Messi.
His supporters say that he makes things happen when he’s on the pitch and deserves time to gain confidence and show his talent. Will he get it?
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