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.”