Three talking points from Barcelona’s win over Real Sociedad

Dembele lucky to escape injury

Ousmane Dembele suffered a sprained ankle in Sunday’s game after a pretty awful challenge from Raul Navas right before half-time.

The Frenchman was flying forward at top speed when he was cynically brought down by a challenge that really should have seen the Sociedad man sent off.

He wasn’t and Dembele managed to continue for a bit before eventually coming off, a sensible decision with the World Cup looming.

Dembele was lucky not to have suffered a far more serious injury and, unfortunately, the tackle is something he may have to get used to.

Let’s hope he gets the protection needed from referees next season.

Yerry Mina gets another chance

Yerry Mina came in for huge criticism for his shaky performance against Levante last time out but was back in the team against Sociedad alongside Gerard Pique.

He still had some awkward moments, managing to take out Jordi Alba, and slipping as Adnan Januzaj went past him, but it was a much better display.

Some of the criticism of Mina has been completely over the top, and he still may head off on loan next season, but this showing should help restore some confidence in the Colombian.

Coutinho offers hope as Iniesta departs

Since Andres Iniesta has announced he’s off there’s been plenty of speculation over who could possibly replace one of the greatest players the club has ever seen.

Of course you can’t simply replace a player like Andres Iniesta, but Philippe Coutinho has certainly proved he can be a key player for Barcelona.

The Brazilian supplied a moment of individual brilliance to score a marvellous winner. He finishes the season with 10 goals for Barcelona which is a great return from a January signing.

It’s fair to expect even more from Coutinho next season as he will be fully settled into the club. Iniesta will undoubtedly be missed, but Coutinho offers plenty of reasons for optimism.