UEFA Champions League 2018-19, Inter Milan 1-1 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points

#3 Malcom scores on his Champions League debut

Malcom made an instant impact on the match

Since his arrival in Spain, Malcom has had a difficult time adjusting and getting playing time in the Barcelona side.

Some managers like to take time to bed players into their first 11, and it’s clear that Malcom he was purchased as a star for the future, however his playing time has been so minimal, questions begin to arise whether he would ever have a chance at Barcelona.

In LaLiga, the Brazilian has played just 25 minutes over two appearances. For some reason, Ernesto Valverde seems reluctant to use him off the bench.

And considering Rafinha has recently been used on the right because of Valverde’s doubts over Ousmane Dembele, it seems bizarre to think that he hasn’t at least given Malcom a start in LaLiga or the Champions League. His only start came in the Copa Del Rey against a side two divisions below.

However, on his Champions League debut, the winger proved what he was capable of, in a very short space of time.

Just 90 seconds after his arrival on the pitch, he received the ball from Coutinho, quickly cut inside and hit an effort too quick for Handanovic to react to, giving his side the lead.

Although they would eventually go on to draw, could this short cameo and goal finally give Valverde a reason to play Malcom more, especially given Dembele’s poor performance?