Midfielder Nico Gonzalez's new role at Barça since Pedri's return

Nico Gonzalez is the only player that has played every game since Xavi Hernandez took over at Barcelona. The young midfielder's been involved in all 16 matches and he's been important for the new coach -- and will be in the present and the future.

Nico started the first four games, against Espanyol, Villarreal, Real Betis and Benfica. In the following games -- against Bayern, Osasuna, Elche, Sevilla, Mallorca, Linares, Granada and Real Madrid -- he alternated between starting (four) and coming off the bench (four) and scored two times in that run.

Everything changed the day he fulfilled the dreams of all academy players and was officially given a first-team spot. Since that night, and the game against Athletic, when he came on in the second half, his role has been off the bench. Since he inherited the No.14 from Philippe Coutinho, he's not started. Four games, four involvements as a substitute.

The return of Pedri has been key in Nico's change of status. Pedri returned at the start of the year and has been an important player since. He has played well, sitting alongside Frenkie de Jong, Busquets and, at times, Gavi. Competition for places in midfield is fierce.

However, both Pedri and Busquets, who has started 31 of 32 games this season, need rest. Xavi has no choice but to rotate or risk injuries. The coach has said he will have to make changes to the XI this week with two big games against Napoli and Valencia on Thursday and Sunday respectively.

Nico could take advantage of that to show, as he already has done, that he has the quality to be a success at Barca.