Sergi Roberto: Aleña should be the example to follow for Riqui Puig

Sergi Roberto is a firm defender of Barcelona's academy. The player remembers his time at La Masia and the patience he had to have in the bad times to reach the point he's at now, a regular in Ernesto Valverde's first team. 

There were some especially tough moments in his first season with the first team under Tata Martino. He rarely played and didn't seem to have the backing of the Argentine coach. 

The start of the Luis Enrique era was mor promising but he was still in and out of the team until the opportunity arrived to play at full-back. He proved himself in that position and has not been knocked out since. 

Now, with Riqui Puig on the fringes of the first team, Sergi Roberto recommends staying calm: "Maybe he's the one talked about the most [in the academy], yes. When he plays, you see different things, little details. 

"Maybe the example for him to follow is [Carles] Aleña, a player that's now in the first team. It's important that these type of players come up and if they can stay with us, even better. It's important that there are as many players as possible from the academy." 

Nike Epic React

Nike Epic ReactSergi Roberto was speaking to SPORT at the presentation of the Nike Epic React, a new model of running shoe personalised in Barça's colours. Asked if footballers also go out running in their free time, he said: "I like to travel a lot and I usually take advantage of any trip to go out running, especially on holiday. Now I will be even better, with these trainers with the Barça badge!"