Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu partnership working wonders for Barça

Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu, who both started against Levante on Sunday night, are the two defenders Luis Enrique has chosen, above Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra. 

Barcelona as a whole look a lot more solid than in past season, and are yet to conceed a goal after four games in the League and one in the Champions League. 

Claudio Bravo was little more than a spectator in Valencia against Levante and Enrique never tires of emphaisisng that his players are working hard to pressure and defend. 

The club have scored 11 goals and not conceded any in their five games this term. 

Mathieu has played every minute in the league and was only rested against Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League. 

Mascherano was sent off against Elche and substituted against Athletic as an injury precaution. 

But when he has been able to play, Mascherano has started. 

The clash against Malaga, on Wednesday, just three days after Sunday's match, may see this trend broken.

But so far Pique and Bartra seem a step behind Mascherano and Mathieu. 

The first-choice duo are a good partnership, with Mascherano's mobility working well with a larger defender, like Mathieu.