5 reasons to be optimistic after Barcelona beat Celtic in friendly

FC Barcelona beat Celtic 3-1 on Saturday in their first preseason friendly, a match they won without difficulty and with total superiority. There are five details that will please Barcelona and the club's fans... 

1. Arda Turan responded after Luis Enrique put his confidence in him

The Turk has been linked with an exit in the summer transfer window. Luis Enrique called him to come back to training a week early and Arda responded. He scored the first goal of preseason, a fine strike in the top corner. The club asked for patience with Turan and the player has not delayed demonstrating that he can be the important star they signed him to be.

2. Messi was himself with Barcelona

Lionel Messi is aiming to put the summer behind him and came back early to training with Barcelona. The failure with Argentina and the punishment he got for tax issues were two cold showers for the forward. But on the pitch with his club he got back to feeling happy and comfortable. He played 45 minutes and it didn't look like the 34 days he went without football have had a big effect. Leo is prepared for the Spanish Super Cup. Nobody has more enthusiasm than him to lift a new trophy.

3. Sergi Roberto's maturity

The versatile Reus-born star has become one of Luis Enrique's most highly-praised players. After his explosion last season, the midfieler demonstrated he can do any task that Lucho asks of him. On Saturday he played as the defensive pivote and did it well. Lucho hailed him after the game. "He's more than one player for us," he said. "Wherever he plays he plays well."

4. Denis Suarez's debut

After two years away from Barcelona he is back and there are high expectations for him. In his first game he wore Xavi's No 6, and playing as an interior, had an excellent debut, playng with comfort and helping the team's attacking play. He showed a good link with Messi. 

5. Right back, Aleix Vidal

After Dani Alves left the sporting directors decided not to sign a new player, because they have Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal. On Saturday Roberto was the pivote and Vidal played on the right of the defence. He was the only one to play for 90 minutes, and set up Turan with a fine assist. Although his first season at Barcelona was tough, he had a chat with Luis Enrique to clear up the situation and now feels more confident.