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BARCELONA

What has happened to Malcom?

Since the Clásico game in which Malcom scored the equaliser, Malcom hasn't played a single minute and it remains to be seen if he has a future at Barça.

Update:
Malcom.
FERRAN ZUERASDIARIO AS

When it was least expected, Valverde threw Malcom into his starting eleven in the Copa del Rey Clásico first leg at the Camp Nou. During that Clásico, Dembele was injured and Messi was slightly sore after some physical issues suffered against Valencia, Valverde put his faith in the Brazilian.

Malcom, a player who brings chaos, missed another chance to shine against Sevilla when he never even came on with Barça 2-0 down. However, against Madrid, he played with personality and was a proper handful for Marcelo on the left. Part of the reason why Barcelona qualified for the final for the sixth consecutive year is down to the fact that Malcom netted the eqaliser in the first leg's second half.

What has happened to Malcom?
Malcom

The Brazilian has not played since though. He didn't see minutes against Athletic, Valladolid or Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán and he didn't see the field at the Bernabéu either. But with that goal againt Madrid, and another against Inter that gave Barça a draw, he has helped Barcelona this season and brings excitement.

The problem is, Valverde has not been won over by the attacker even though he values a lot of his qualities. There was also an option to leave in January but he wanted to stay as a part of a learning curve and he saw staying at the club as a matter of principle. Having said that, he can't ignore his lack of minutes. 

It will be interesting to see what Malcom decides in the summer. Does he stay another year, find a new location or ask Barcelona to send him on loan for experience and the chance to come back 12 months later with more work done on his game. Valverde has been sincere with the 22-year-old and explained that he is staying for another year. That game against Madrid was supposed to launch Malcom into the spotlight but since that, with zero minutes played, it buried him in oblivion.