Barcelona checked in on Cucurella in Eibar's defeat to Rayo Vallecano

Marc Cucurella was one of the starts of the La Liga weekend last week. The Barcelona youngster, on loan at Eibar, helped set up all three goals as the Basque minnows thumped Real Madrid. His performance didn't go unnoticed back at Barça. 

For that reason, on Friday, Ramon Planes, sporting director Eric Abidal's No.2, was in Madrid to watch the league game between Rayo Vallecano and Eibar live.

Cucurella started again. During the week, Eibar boss Mendilibar praised him on various occasions. "Marc's a kid of class," he explained. "He hasn't played much until now; he played in the last game away from him and he did well. Maybe it was a surprise to see him [further forward] in a position which isn't natural to him, because he usually plays as a left-back." And that's where he was against Rayo, in an davanced position on the left. 

Barça were happy with his display against Madrid. After a tough summer, Cucurella has earned Mendilibar's confidence and shown that he has the quality to play in the top flight. The club will keep following his performances and decide on his future next summer. Everything suggests Eibar will take up their option to buy, although Barça would maintain a buy-back clause.