I believe it's a matter of confidence for Roberto. Particularly when at RB. In the first part of the season he was at an all time high with confidence. And then he slowly became more integrated, either starting the games or being a regular sub. And that continued throughout, until the whole team fell apart in last month or so, and he just became a part of that gloomy performing team. So many times I want him to take the ball and make that run through the midfield like he did in the fall, but he plays it rather safe and for me it's the confidence thing.
I would say Roberto has the most cut out of our current crop of midfielders, though. Suarez' first goal at Real was the example of this; Sergi's strong run with the ball pulled them asunder. It's something we should get out of Rafinha but never too, I think he's too passive ("vanilla") to succeed here.
I do agree Bob has to improve in the final 3rd if he's to be our starting RB, though. That said, I thought his crosses at the start of the season were excellent, during his initial run when he broke into the team. Whereas Dani is getting into the positions, making the moves etc. but his crosses can be really really bad, Betis first half was exactly that.
With Roberto, I have fears that:
1. him being a jack of all trades will mean that he will never be a master on any position
He will just be a sub for more or less every position.
I personally think that he will be a sub even for a RB as years will go by.
Vidal will take that position, or we will again just buy some new guy.
2. further, he seems like just too nice guy (imo), without too much "balls"
He proved that he can do amazing things sometimes. But he isn't imposing himself at all.
Or if he is, he doesn't do it too often...
If someone will say: but he needs time and minutes to get confidence.
Well, yes.
But I have fears that he is just that kind of personality. Not a guy who will impose himself and take more responsibility during matches, but sadly, that is what we need.
I personally get that "impression" from his play, body language, appearance (it may sound strange, since both Xavi and Iniesta are nice guys, but they did impose themselves always).
Kovacic from Real has the same problem in the last 3-4 years, imo, even though he is younger, so maybe he will improve his "courage" over years.
To sum it up:
1. Roberto plays on way too many positions to become an expert on one
2. he isn't naturally THAT gifted as we would want
3. he seems like a too passive personality to impose himself (enough for Barca's level)
4. plus, he is already 24. Majority of players in those years are more or less formed footballers.
I do like him as a squad player and I hope he will stay here forever, he is awesome for that role.
But I don't have too much faith that he can become a starter. (He can, but that would mean that our standards deteriorated somewhat...)
This is not an attack on Roberto or Rafinha, but more like: we will need some new options since neither Arda, Roberto or Rafinha will be our future starters.
Let's see how will Denis play this season. Maybe he can impose himself more.
If not, in 2017, we will look for some other La Masia potentials (Samper, Alena?) and put our hopes in them, or we will need to buy some new players, either proven or players with high potential.
