Arturo Vidal and the problem he poses Valverde

Valverde was not best pleased when he was asked about the substitution of Ousmane Dembele for Arturo Vidal after the win over Real Sociedad.

"Why aren't you asking me about the other substitutions?" the coach asked after explaining that he wanted to put Vidal on the pitch to provide more balance to his side.

However, the change didn't have the desired effect, something that has happened each of the three times that the coach has tried this move.

Valverde's plan A against Real Sociedad last only 55 minutes, but the apparent solution that Vidal should provide actually seems to be even more of a problem.

Despite Dembele scoring earlier in the game, the former Bayern Munich midfielder replaced him on 77 minutes, and Barcelona continued to struggle with the threat of Sociedad's attack and just about hung on for the win.

Far from providing the stability an balance that Valverde was looking for, the team actually looked more unbalanced with Vidal on the pitch, giving Valverde a tactical headache he will need to fix soon.