The Portuguese midfielder has been the scapegoat at Camp Nou for much of this season but there are finally signs that he could yet prove a success
The Portuguese are not particularly popular at Camp Nou. Luis Figo was hated by Barcelona fans for defecting to Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho became a villain in his time at Los Blancos and Cristiano Ronaldo is roundly booed every time he visits for a Clasico.
Another Portuguese, Andre Gomes, has been given a rough ride since signing for the Catalan club from Valencia in the summer. The Euro 2016 winner arrived in an expensive deal that cost €35 million plus add-ons, but has been a scapegoat virtually all season long.