Sergi Roberto always ends up being a key member of Barça's XI

"Our idea is to use Sergi Roberto in midfield this season." Ernesto Valverde said this back in July. The coach had other plans for Roberto and wanted Nelson Semedo and Wague to battle for the right-back spot.

Semedo, after contemplating a departure in the summer, would be made first choice in the role and it'd allow Roberto to play where he feels more natural. "There were games where it didn't work out and I said: "What am I doing playing here when I could be in midfield?" the La Masia graduate confessed to 'El Pais' two years ago.

The decision was somewhat surprising due to the fact the squad was already overflowing with midfielders. But sure enough, Sergi Roberto started the LaLiga opener against Athletic Club in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong and Carles Aleña. 

In the first moment Semedo was struggling for fitness, it became clear the first option to replace him was Roberto. Due to the Portuguese full back's most recent problems, he's now started the last three matches in defence. 

Roberto has proven his worth as a full back in the contests against Dortmund, Atlético and Mallorca. Valverde appears content with his versatility.

"The seasons start with you having one idea and the players start following that plan. But later, you have to make adjustments. We're obviously lucky enough to have Nelson and Moussa who can cover that position. If Sergi keeps playing as he has at right-back and Rakitic in midfield, let's see. But that isn't a problem, the problem would be the opposite."

A CONSTANT SUPPORT FOR THE TEAM

His numbers against Mallorca explain how influential Roberto is on the team. He touched the ball more than any other Barça player (111). The other noticeable names at the top of that list were: Messi (106), Busquets (104), Lenglet (82), Rakitic (81), Piqué (76) and De Jong (59). 

Sergi Roberto didn't only receive the ball but he was also accurate when passing it to a teammate. He finished with 91.1% and won five of his six individual duels.

Playing at full-back allows Roberto to show off his strengths. He's able to demonstrate his pace as he's got lots of space to run into. Playing in midfield means there's less room to work with.

Another plus is that he's earned the trust of Messi. Alongside Rakitic as well, those three linked up effortlessly. Perhaps what you'd expect due to how long they've been in the same side together. 

The same thing happens every year: Roberto begins with a lot of question marks hanging over his head but he ends up being a key member of the XI. He remains the last La Masia graduate to truly establish himself in the first team.