3. Thomas Vermaelen
Having endured three difficult seasons under Luis Enrique, Thomas Vermaelen was expected to leave in the summer after Ernesto Valverde took over. But as a precaution, the management decided to retain him and it paid off.
In December, Barcelona were facing a crisis. Javier Mascherano was set to leave for China, and Samuel Umtiti sustained a knee injury. Then, Vermaelen stepped in and covered for Umtiti with ease.
He partnered with Gerard Piqué in defence, and started in the El Clásico, and helped the side to beat Real Madrid 3-0 in a high-pressure game. After Umtiti’s return, he was marginalised but he did make a few appearances here and there, and was impressive.