New FC Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti only knows how to win

Luis Enrique has suffered the misfortune of losing Gerard Pique but he has recovered Samuel Umtiti who is on fire.

The Frenchman passed tests against Man City and Valencia and has shown that the good sensations at the start of the season were not just chance. Sam is the future but the present too. 

The numbers show it. When Umtiti has started for Barcelona, they have always won. This reflects the defensive security that the former Lyon man brings. 

When he arrived at Barcelona both the club and the player thought his first year was about acclimatising to life here and taking advantage of any opportunities he could. And now Umtiti knows he can do more. He's already battling for Javier Mascherano's slot, a player who was indispensible before. 

He gives Luis Enrique no complications. He plays easily. Tackle and pass. Take the ball and give it. With Pique's absence the centre-backs will have to take a step forward in the coming games.

Umtiti has had to absorb various tactical concepts. At the moment certainly, Barcelona still miss Pique. More than one criticised him and Mascherano aver the Valencia game. But Umtiti has practically committed no individual errors, in bringing the ball out or in challenges for the ball. He knows how to pass by smoothly, which for a Barcelona centre-back is always good news.

On the pitch and off it too, Umtiti is the type who carries his ability with discretion. He has received just two yellow cards in 611 minutes. Both were shown towards the end of matches too - he has shown that he knows how to administer his fouls. All a signal of maturity.