3 signings that are proving to be effective at Barcelona F.C.

Barcelona F.C. have had their fair share of prominent signings but after some ineffective signings with the likes of Andre Gomes and Aleix Vidal, they needed some efficient players. Let's have a look at the players that have lived up to the expectations of the supporters as well as Ernesto Valverde:

#1 SAMUEL UMTITI

Samuel Umtiti has become a stronghold in Barca's defence

Samuel Umtiti signed for Barcelona in the summer transfer window of 2016 and was soon introduced into the starting eleven. He was to compensate the absence of Dani Alves, who left the club for PSG. Even though he was playing alongside an experienced defence with the likes of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, he did not show any signs of weakness or immaturity.

Samuel Umtiti plays as a centre-back alongside Gerard Pique and they both have shown a tremendous level of communication. Umtiti's pace allows him to chase down wingers during counter attacks and press them into the corners. He also times his tackles perfectly leaving no room for errors.

His strong mental and physical attributes force opponents into making passes into their own half and disrupting their momentum. He even provides options to the midfielders and makes diagonal crosses through to the wingers whenever necessary.

He most certainly impressed Jose Enrique last year and continues to do so this season with Ernesto Valverde. All in all, he proves to a very mature and versatile player.

#2 GERARD DEULOFEU

Deulofeu's attractive and innovative play has benefited Barca this season

Deulofeu is a product of Barcelona's La Masia, but officially signed a contract with them in the summer of 2017. Deulofeu was desperately depended on to replace Neymar as the regular left winger in the squad. The Camp Nou certainly did not expect this and did not have high expectations for him. But from his first appearance, he proved his worth.

His pace allows him to confront defenders and cruise past them. He has integrated himself to Barca's style of play and has a very immaculate control of the ball. He possesses a rare ability to get out of narrow gaps in defences and exploit open spaces to find strikers.

He even provides accurate crosses into the box and coordinates well with Andres Iniesta in the midfield. He is extremely instrumental during counter attacks and uses his pace and turns to catch the opposition's defence off guard. Providing assists and developing play has become his primary role at Barcelona.

Having an emotional attachment to the club, Deulofeu has struck the right chords this season and has been an attractive option in attack. Even as a substitute, he has helped win important games for Barcelona.

#3 PAULINHO

Paulinho has brought order to the midfield

Paulinho signed for Barcelona this summer from Guangzhou Evergrande. His move was unwelcome and unexpected. Barcelona's supporters were annoyed after the shocking departure of Neymar and expected a big money signing. Although Paulinho is 29 and not as fast as other youngsters in the squad, he provides stability in the midfield.

He has great passing accuracy and his ability to spot Messi and Suarez is instrumental during counter attacks. His physical strength and experience allows him to drop back and defend whenever necessary and even provide support to the strikers upfront.

His presence allows Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta to move forward and try new options in the attack. He has been able to provide assists as well as score goals this season when it mattered the most. He has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists in La Liga.

As a defensive midfielder, he has been successful at Barca and Ernesto Valverde trusts him with the role.