5 major differences between Valverde and Enrique's tactics at Barcelona

5) Adapting to the loss of Neymar (so far)

Gerard Deulofeu has no qualms about playing second-fiddle to Messi

If there's one thing Valverde does not have that Enrique did for three seasons, it is Neymar Jr. The new Barcelona boss only had the opportunity to work with him on the Catalan club's pre-season tour. He watched from the sidelines as Neymar destroyed Madrid in the Clasico and then he was gone to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record €222m fee.

The trio of MSN was disbanded in the blink of an eye and Valverde initially struggled to cope without the Brazilian on the left. His loss was most evident when they struggled to find a way through Real Madrid's defence in the Supercopa de España.

Gerard Deulofeu was signed this summer and most fans expect him to be sold within a year at a profit. But with Suarez moving to the left and Messi to the centre, Valverde needed a right winger/forward and the Spaniard fit the bill.

Of course, Ousmane Dembele became the marquee signing and Valverde had managed to rotate them both well until the untimely injury to Dembele. The young Frenchman now requires surgery and will be out for 3-4 months - a hammer blow for Valverde and Barca.

Valverde will hope Dembele returns quickly for Barcelona

He had shown potential to mesh with Messi and Suarez in the derby against Espanyol. When he's back, his speed on the ball and quick dribbling skills to beat full-backs will create numerous opportunities for Messi from the right.

Neymar's loss may not be truly felt until Barcelona play tougher opponents (especially in Europe in the second half of the season) but they have already made mincemeat of Juventus in the Champions League.

But Valverde has convinced fans that all is not lost following his departure. Given time and the spotlight shifting back to Messi, Barcelona will thrive for the foreseeable future.