The disciplined Arturo Vidal

Arturo Vidal was one of the best performers of the match this weekend as Barcelona faced Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou. The Chilean central midfielder played the most complete and serious game since he joined the club. 

He was accurate in his passing, attentive and decisive in defence, anticipated well, held up play and helped to handle possession, giving purpose to Barcelona's play. He showed off his discipline. Yes, Vidal was extraordinarily disciplined. He appears to have left behind the impulsive player who gambled on inflexible play with too much energy and who moved around the pitch with more passion than planning.

The game against Michel's team confirmed his consistency after an excellent final 20 minutes in the Clasico in LaLiga Santander at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Against Rayo Vallecano, starting alongside Arthur Melo and Sergio Busquets, with Ivan Rakitic rested, his statistics underlined an outstanding display. 

He made 11 recoveries, 91 passes and had 111 touches. Even Ernesto Valverde paid tribute to him and Sergio Busquets in his post-match press conference. "He had a great game, he kept us going at important moments," the coach said.

The Barcelona midfield is a competitive area. There is no limit at Barcelona. But Vidal, also more calm and comfortable in his messages off the field, has shown that he has a role in the team and is relaxed and that Valverde can count on him. The coach gave him consistency in November and December, starting six games in a row in LaLiga Santander, but the rest of the season has been more intermittent. Competing with Rakitic, Busquets and Arthur, among others, is no easy task. But given what we saw against Rayo, nobody has their place assured. The disciplined Vidal has arrived at the Camp Nou.