How reborn Aleix Vidal proved Barcelona manager Luis Enrique wrong

Barcelona decided against signing players in January. However, Luis Enrique Martinez has managed to add to his squad in the second half of the season. The 'reborn' Aleix Vidal we've seen in the recent months has once again become an option for the right-back position which until now had been exclusively reserved for Sergi Roberto. 

The Catalan full-back has, so far this year, taken advantage of his chances. He's shown his versatility, too, as against Athletic Club on Saturday when he showed his ability to play at full-back and further forward, which he says is his natural position. 

FROM NOT IN THE SQUAD TO STARTER 

Vidal went 14 consecutibe league games without playing a minute of football. It was difficult to imagine a future which was not away from from Camp Nou after January. But he's fought hard to turn things around, aware that Luis Enrique never shuts the door on anyone. The defender has played in the last four league games, starting three of them. 

TWO GOALS & FOUR ASSISTS 

The effectiveness of Vidal is impressive. Away from throwing in the towell, he's been ready to compete when his moment arrived. In his recent outings for Barça he's scored two goals and given four assists, numbers which show his versatility. 

A PROFILE LIKE DANI ALVES

Fans at Camp Nou remember fondly Dani Alves' runs up the right flank, sometimes as daring as they were dangerous for the Catalan side. With Vidal, something similar happens. The player feels so comfortable in attack that he can sometimes falter in his defensive duties. 

SELF-CRITICISM

Vidal himself knows there's room for improvement. On Saturday, after scoring in the win against Athletic, he recognised that "in some areas of my game I wasn't as finely-tuned as I should have been, but after a goal that can sometimes get forgotten." 

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 

One of his biggest strengths is his emotional intelligence. On a mental level he has been able to manage his ostracism from the squad well. During those months of no participation, rather than giving up and being too proud, he was able to work hard and keep his head up. 

LUIS ENRIQUE IS CONVINCED 

The Barça boss has backed Vidal and admitted that he has proved him wrong. It seems the former Sevilla player had been written off by his coach, but the fact Luis Enrique has publicly admitted he was wrong says a lot about the situation and the player.