His knee injury last season, and his feet injury at the beginning of this campaign had left him out of Valverde's line-up for a long time. but against Eibar, the Frenchman showed that he deserves a place in the starting eleven once again.
Umtiti had not disputed an official match for Barcelona since May 12th, when the Catalans beat Getafe 2-0 on matchday 27. Since, the Frenchman had not stepped out with his team once.
Pique's sanction forced Valverde to choose between Umtiti and Todibo. And the coach, after the victory, explained it clearly: "This was a special game. I know how Eibar play and I know how strong Umtiti is in the high balls and in the exit of the ball. We needed cold blood and it was good for us."
Umtiti was particularly decisive in a play in the first half, where he avoided the equaliser. After Griezmann had overtaken Barcelona, Umtiti took the ball from the Eibar's Charles, who was already threatening to score.
In this way, Ernesto Valverde recovers an important player but, at the same time, he is faced with a dilemma. As Pique is an indisputable starter, the Barcelona coach must decide whether to keep Lenglet in the eleven or give Umtiti the spot.
DUGOUT_