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The kids are alright
Much has been made about the recent lack of Barca youngsters making the step up into the first team but Wednesday's game suggested there is hope.
Oriol Busquets was handed a debut and did well, Carles Alena looked completely at home and there was another goal for Jose Arnaiz.
We also got to see defender David Costas in the second half and a big win will have done plenty to boost these youngsters’ confidence.
Costas, Busquets and Arnaiz were also all training with the first team on Thursday, let’s hope we see them back in action again soon.
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Squad players stake a claim
Sergi Roberto made a welcome return from injury and set up Denis Suarez with a brilliant pass as Barca turned on the style the second half.
The 25-year-old had been playing well before injury struck and now he’s back he will give Ernesto Valverde another option in midfield, hopefully, not at right-back.
Vidal too put in a display that may him force him into Valverde’s thinking as well as Denis, who scored a great goal before setting up Arnaiz.
Yes it was only Murcia, but Barca’s midfield has lacked creativity all season and there was plenty on display on Wednesday night.
Paco Alcacer was also on target again with his fourth of this season, just one less than Luis Suarez who has played far more minutes.
The striker has been linked with a move away from the club this winter, but is proving to be a really useful option and will hope he can force his way into the team.
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Deulofeu disappoints again
Gerard Deulofeu has been given plenty of opportunities to impress since returning to Barca but with Ousmane Dembele on the comeback trail you suspect he may be running out of chances.
It could have been all so different if he'd scored in the 55th minute but he was denied by the woodwork on a frustrating evening for the winger.
Deulofeu had the pace to trouble Murcia but offered little end-product and he will surely have wanted to do better against third tier opposition.
In stark contrast Aleix Vidal looked a threat and improved as the game wore on while Arnaiz came off the bench and scored with a great finish.
Ernesto Valverde said after the game he wasn't worried about Deulofeu. On current form, maybe he should be.