Samuel Umtiti: A new idol has been born at the Camp Nou LaLiga - Barcelona Supporters love the French defender

He has surprised everyone for his excellent performances this season, but the new idol of the Camp Nou, Samuel Umtiti, has been one of the key men in Barcelona's success.

An injury in the league match against Celta briefly halted his career, Thomas Vermaelen replacing him and also offering a good standard of performance.

So much so, that a debate opened up about who Ernesto Valverde should go with when the Frenchman returned from injury.

The Belgian's own injury put paid to that argument.

Since Umtiti came back into the team, he has once again demonstrated that his presence is essential.

He shone against Valencia, especially in the few last minutes when Los Che were pushing for an away goal.

The Frenchman was quick across the turf in the Copa del Rey semi-final, something which is not his specialty, and he also gave an enormous display of power throughout the 90 minutes.

It's no coincidence that the supporters love him, and the proof of that came when his name was chanted several times against Valencia.

A guaranteed starter for Valverde, especially when the Champions League is just around the corner, Umtiti forms one of the best centre-back partnerships in Europe at the moment with Gerard Pique.