Photo: Piqsels
Ansu Fati’s performance took the headlines but it couldn’t have been done without the help of Depay.
Despite Valencia taking an early lead from Jose Gaya’s smashing effort, Ronald Koeman’s side did not let their heads drop and they soon found their equaliser.
Fati cut in from the left-hand side and played a ball into Depay on the edge of the box. The Dutchman returned the ball first-time with a perfectly weighted pass and the youngster finished the chance venomously into the far corner.
This was Depay’s second assist of the season and Barcelona began to look stronger as the game went on.
He then got a well-deserved opportunity to find the scoresheet as Fati won a penalty in the 39th minute.
Jasper Cillessen was left flat-footed as Depay thundered the ball into the corner of the net after a short run-up.
The forward now has four league goals this season, being directly involved in six of Barcelona’s 14 goals.
Depay also had a good game apart from his two goal contributions. He had more touches on the ball than any other attacker on the pitch (62) and had a pass completion of 81.6%.
The former Manchester United man also made two key passes, completed 100% of his long balls, won seven of his 11 ground duels, and succeeded in 75% of his attempted dribbles.
The 27-year-old has been one of the better players for Barcelona this season in what has been a very difficult period for fans both on and off the pitch. Even with the rise of youngsters like Fati, Pedri and Gavi, it is clear Depay will be an important player for Barcelona over the coming seasons.
Coutinho scored the third goal to put the game to bed as Barcelona move up seventh in the table, five points behind leaders Real Sociedad.
The next league game for Depay and his teammates will be a huge fixture against Real Madrid as bragging rights are up for grabs in El Classico.
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