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Ran the show against Sevilla... Shorn of the talents of Frenkie de Jong, Barca?s midfield took on an unusual look against Sevilla with Raphinha providing some zip to the front three as well as getting forward as often as play would allow.
Until his untimely hamstring injury the Brazilian was quite lively without necessarily looking dangerous.
On balance, Xavi will probably deduce that even if the team selection was forced upon him in some way, it was an experiment that arguably was neither excellent nor awful.
I?d suggest that he?s unlikely to try it again in the near future.
In any event, another midfielder deserves the plaudits for an understated but absolutely brilliant display.

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Ilkay Gundogan rarely makes the headlines but nor is he an unsung hero.
He?s a proper footballer?s footballer, in the same manner Paul Scholes was for Manchester United. Game recognises game.
In the first 45 in particular, his transitional play was smooth, quick and accurate and his positional play and understanding was head and shoulders above his team-mates.
The German makes up for the lack of dynamism to his play, with his innate football brain.
It?s a quality that only a few possess, and in Barca?s case, it?s for the benefit of the many.
Whilst he may go about his work quietly, you can be sure that his absence would be noticeable.
It?s worth remembering too he was ...