Mundo Deportivo: Valencia Mali midfielder Diarra could start against Barcelona

According to Mundo Deportivo, Valencia midfielder Diarra could receive a starting opportunity in the home match against Barcelona.

Among Valencia’s seven new signings in the 2026/27 squad, only three have not yet started a league match: Harvey Elliott, goalkeeper Caden Van Oveelen, and Mali midfielder Diarra. Diarra completed his transfer more than five months ago, joining from Egypt’s Al Ahly as a free agent, and he is still seeking head coach Corberan’s trust.

Diarra only started one preseason match, against Teruel. In the first three competitive matches, he began each game on the bench. He scored Valencia’s only goal in a 1-2 friendly defeat against Castellón. In the La Liga opener against Celta, he played 21 minutes; at home against Betis, he came on for two minutes after Pablo García scored in the 83rd minute to put Valencia behind; last week away against Deportivo La Coruña in a 1-3 defeat, he played 24 minutes in the second half.

Because Guido Rodríguez will remain sidelined for several weeks due to injury, Valencia have two players accustomed to playing as defensive midfielders, Pepelu and Diarra, as well as versatile player Arnau Martínez who is familiar with the position. Pepelu and Diarra are Corberan’s remaining specialist options, and the coach is expected to use both against Barcelona on Sunday to strengthen the central defensive area.

As the defending champions and current La Liga leaders, Barcelona have made a powerful start. This round will also see Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus join the squad; he has traveled with the team’s 24-man group, and coach Flick must cut one player before the match. After three rounds, Barcelona have scored 12 goals, including five against Elche, two against Athletic Club, and five against Rayo Vallecano.

Valencia returned to a four-man defensive line in the second half of last week’s away match against Deportivo La Coruña, with their performance especially poor during the first 30 minutes. In training ahead of the Barcelona match, the three-center-back system with two wing-backs has again become a focus. The coaching staff believes Valencia must limit Barcelona’s attack as much as possible to earn points and recover the defensive form shown in the first two matches against Celta and Betis.

Based on the past two days of training at Valencia’s base, Pepelu will return to the center of the defensive line and play as a center-back against Barcelona. César Tárrega could therefore miss out on a starting role, while Pablo Maffeo will operate as the right wing-back, replacing the injured Luis Rioja. Previously, Rioja and former Girona player Arnau Martínez had issues coordinating defensive recovery movements.

During the past two days of training, Diarra has consistently played in the defensive No. 6 role. The Mali captain’s physicality and ability to cover ground could help the team press and provide defensive support. Valencia are not expected to dominate possession and will rely on Javi Guerra’s vertical progression, as well as the counterattacking combination of Sato and Arnaut Danjuma. Young player David Otorbi is also expected to receive more playing time.

For Diarra, hosting Flick’s Barcelona could be the toughest match he has faced since earning a potential starting opportunity. It is also a double-edged sword for him.