Malcom, Messi's new partner

Ernesto Valverde triumphed against Espanyol with a starting trident in attack made up of Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez.

Whenever there are doubts, the man in charge usually opts for the former Liverpool man to complete his front line.

But on Saturday, Malcom knocked on the coach's door insistently as he was one of the main men in the derby win, along with Messi.

When Arthur made way on 58 minutes, Coutinho was moved into a deeper role and it allowed his compatriot to slot into an attacking role on the left.

Just three minutes after the former Bordeaux man's introduction, he produced one of the best moments of the game with a strike that Diego Lopez did well to save.

During the half hour he was on the field, he was active, participating plenty and incisive too.

In fact, it was one of his assists that provided the crucial second goal for Messi.

Acros all competitions, Malcom has only had 535 minutes but has still scored three goals, two in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa and Real Madrid and one in Europe at Inter.

"He has been very good and we expected what he has given us but we're delighted with what he did," Valverde said after the derby.

Against Villarreal, Ousmane Dembele will be sidelined through injury and the coach will have to make changes.

Malcom could be one of the men who has forced his way into his plans.