Vermaelen's best run of games since he joined Barça in 2014
The Belgian had never played four games in a row for Barça before
He is likely to make that run five at Villarreal on Sunday night
Suspension and injuries have allowed Thomas Vermaelen to take on a starring role in Ernesto Valverde's side. Against Sporting Club, the final Champions League group game of the season, he once again started. It's the fourth consecutive game the Belgian has featured in, which hasn't happened since he joined the club in 2014.
With Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano injured, Vermaelen began the game alongside Gerard Pique. He did well in defence and didn't make any mistakes, completing 92 of his 95 passes (97 percent success rate). It wasn't a demanding game, but he still did what he had to do. Without doubt, though, there are bigger tasks ahead, such as Villarreal on Sunday.
Vermaelen's previous best run in the Barça side was three games (two as a starter and once off the bench) between Aug. 23 and Sept. 12, 2015, and again (all as a substitute) between Mar. 3 and Mar. 12, 2016.
On this occasion, Pique's ban at Valencia saw him come into the team and now he's starting in the injured Umtiti's place. There was also a Copa del Rey game against Real Murcia in the run. He has played against Valencia (started), Murcia (started), Celta Vigo (18 minutes as a substitute) and now against Sporting (started).
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