Bartra: Barca place in my hands

Marc Bartra believes he has what it takes to establish himself in the Barcelona first team after scoring against Levante on Sunday.

The defender was considered La Blaugrana’s fifth-choice centre-back prior to the start of 2015-16, with Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano the default pairing, Thomas Vermaelen recovering from a long-term injury and Jeremy Mathieu proving his worth last season.

However, Pique’s suspension, coupled with another injury to Vermaelen, saw Bartra handed a rare start against the Valencians, one which he duly took as he scored the opening goal in a 4-1 victory for his side.

“[Luis Enrique gives you a chance] if you deserve it,” he said after the game.

“When you face a team who sit back a lot, it’s difficult to break them down, but once you score one, it becomes a lot easier.

“I was lucky enough to have been the one who scored the first goal, but I prefer to focus on the work of the entire team.

“I think [my place in the team] is in my hands, and [I can keep it by] contributing and helping the team. When Leo [Messi] is okay, the team smile.”

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