Why Barcelona Must Show Faith in Defender Marc Bartra

The three South American strikers got the plaudits, but Marc Bartra was quietly brilliant for Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain. 

There was one moment in the game, when Lucas Moura cut in from the right and strode menacingly toward goal, which encapsulated his performance perfectly.

Bartra was there to deny the Brazilian, but the ball broke loose, and it seemed like PSG were about to score until the young defender flung himself in the way yet again.

It was brave, relentless defending, with Bartra looking like the only player sharp enough at the back to read the situation.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The rest of his performance was impressive too, albeit less dramatic. Starting as the man on the right-hand side of a three-man defence, Bartra was plunged into a different situation than he had previously faced.

Luis Enrique picked an odd 3-2-3-2 formation, and a switch in tactics usually results in added pressure on the defenders, who will bear the brunt of the blame if something goes wrong.

Bartra said, after the game, per Inside Spanish Football:

"

My mind is always on carrying out what is asked of me. What the mister asked of me was not easy but I am satisfied with the job I have done. [Ibrahimovic] is one of the best strikers in the world and he has some amazing physical assets. One has to anticipate, and if you cannot, you have to avoid being turned.

"

Although it was not a role he had taken on before at this level, there had been talk of Bartra playing as a full-back before the game. When Enrique's teamsheet for the contest was sent around, many wondered whether or not that was the case.

As it turned out, that didn't happen. However, given his performance, you feel that he could have pulled it off.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The centre-back has improved since he was destroyed by Gareth Bale in the Copa del Rey final, in the move that saw the Welshman zip past him before firing past Jose Manuel Pinto to all but secure the cup for Real Madrid.

Bartra said a couple of days ago, per Sport:

"

At the moment, it feels like a good season on a personal level. I am getting minutes in my position, although maybe I have not started too many times. I try in every training session to do what [Luis Enrique] asks me and to improve.

It's my third year with the first team and I've experienced a lot now. Whether that is starting games, being a substitute, playing in important games. I've matured, tactically also. And when you feel the manager has confidence in you, that helps.

"

There are opportunities to be found at Barcelona. If Bartra continues to mature at the same rate, playing and training intelligently, it's hard to believe he won't get a run of games in the first team.

Pique's form is variable. Sometimes, like against PSG, he plays well. At other times, he makes mistakes.

Just take his poor handling of Espanyol's Sergio Garcia on Sunday.

With Thomas Vermaelen out for months, there's just Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano to overcome. Bartra will believe he can do it, and Barcelona must show faith in him because he is good enough.