Coutinho is stuck in a dangerous hibernation Opinion - Barcelona The opinion of Luis F. Rojo

Ernesto Valverde is determined to unlock Philippe Coutinho's best form once again.

Barcelona invested a lot of money in the Brazilian and need to see some returns from it, as it would be a massive blow for several at the Catalan club if this transfer were to turn out to be a bust.

Rather than show signs of improvement, though, Coutinho seems to be stuck in a sort of hibernation.

There were some green shoots during the first couple of matches of the player's recent treatment, but it turns out that these might just have been an oasis in a generally dry desert.

The last two matches have to be considered a step back in the wrong direction.

In the Girona game, for example, Lionel Messi sent him on his way to goal with an excellent pass that had him alone in front of Bono, but the player couldn't score despite the odds being in his favour.

His lack of confidence got worse from that moment onwards.

The former Liverpool player wasn't on form with his passing, his shooting or anything.

He transmitted a sense of sadness and a complete lack of confidence.

While he has quality, and has shown it enough times, he can't seem to access it right now.

Arthur or Arturo, who should start?

There is a debate at Barcelona right now over Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal.

The purists would lean towards the Brazilian, who won back more balls than Vidal against Girona, but it has to be kept in mind that the Chilean provides more strength and pressing for the team.

It's a problem that Valverde must solve.

The importance of a great goalkeeper

The match against Girona wasn't over until Messi's goal and, before that, Marc-Andre ter Stegen had saved the team twice, both times denying Cristhian Stuani.

Girona, who played well, would have equalised had it not been for this great goalkeeper.

A victory-sealing pass

Luis Suarez didn't have his best game in Girona, but he was always determined, even if he things weren't coming off for him.

He then came up with a touch that helped win the game, as he turned quickly and sent the key pass to Jordi Alba in the build-up to the second goal.