0 minutes this season, only called up for one fixture... and yet Valverde is happy with his work

It may come as quite a surprise that Ernesto Valverde has heaped praise on Thomas Vermaelen, with the Belgian making no contribution to the team whatsoever this season. The Barca boss pointed out that it was due to the competitiveness in the back line that the former Arsenal man was struggling to break into the starting lineup.

"He is training very well, I am happy with what he is doing. He is not taking part in matches and he is not in an easy situation," the Barcelona coach told reporters ahead of their Copa del Rey fixture at Murcia.

Valverde used the quality of his central defenders as an excuse: "It's hard to include four centre-backs in the list but, if the opportunity arises, which could happen any time, he can step forward. I think he's strong."