20 - Sergi Roberto

[Zidane82]

And it would have the side effect of folks (who have an ounce of introspection) saying I guess rakitic was better than I thought, maybe even that they actually miss him. More Bob playing in the central midfield and having to make many complex decisions is bad for him, and the club. His best spot is RB, his next best spot has his in the spaces more typical of a right winger or right wingback.

Compare the first half with Rakitic leading the midfield ( dire ) with the second half with FDJ pulling the strings ( far better as a team )

 

[Arizona Scott]

Well as a staunch Roberto detractor I’d pay good money to see Roberto play RB one last time - up against Hazard .

Unless Semedo learned his lesson from that Brazillian infant I would expect Roberto to play him better. Rather have someone who know they will be beat if they reach or stab and focus on good positioning and slowing a freak down until help arrives than taking himself entirely out of the play.

 

[Arizona Scott]

Compare the first half with Rakitic leading the midfield ( dire ) with the second half with FDJ pulling the strings ( far better as a team )

thats not the right comparison. I expect FDJ and Arthur to pull the strings and always be on the teamsheet, the question is the best midfielder to compliment them. We would have to look at Busi, Rakitic, Vidal--maybe even Couts or AG--playing with those two pulling the strings and evaluate from there--and it will has to been with meaningful matches against good opponents.

 

[Kul_z]

Unless Semedo learned his lesson from that Brazillian infant I would expect Roberto to play him better. Rather have someone who know they will be beat if they reach or stab and focus on good positioning and slowing a freak down until help arrives than taking himself entirely out of the play.

Semedo would eat hazard alive if they face each other.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Unless Semedo learned his lesson from that Brazillian infant I would expect Roberto to play him better. Rather have someone who know they will be beat if they reach or stab and focus on good positioning and slowing a freak down until help arrives than taking himself entirely out of the play.

This happened once. Next match he was much beþter vs the youngster.

 

[Zidane82]

thats not the right comparison. I expect FDJ and Arthur to pull the strings and always be on the teamsheet, the question is the best midfielder to compliment them. We would have to look at Busi, Rakitic, Vidal--maybe even Couts or AG--playing with those two pulling the strings and evaluate from there--and it will has to been with meaningful matches against good opponents.

It has to be FDJ alongside Arthur with either Busqs or Vidal .

 

[Arizona Scott]

This happened once. Next match he was much beþter vs the youngster.

I hope so, I would like Semedo to grow into a savy and complete RB and move Roberto to the bench. But we need more than what we have seen--I guess it is up to him and the football gods for the next step or two to be taken.

 

[Andresito]

Unfortunately I believe his status in the squad has become too high. He'd be the perfect squad player to have on the bench, but now I think Valverde will shoehorn him into the starting eleven.

It wouldn't surprise me if our 4 main midfielders these first few months would be Busi, Raki, Frenkie and Roberto, and Valverde motivating Arthur's abscence with "he hasn't had a full preseason, he needs more time".

 

[serghei]

The issue with Roberto is, like with Rakitic, that Valverde has played him too damn often in the big games, and now he thinks he is a key member of the team, entitled to play all the time.

Squad player was always his level.

 

[underoath]

Semedo would eat hazard alive if they face each other.

delusional fanboy

 

[te amo barca]

Two great lobbed through balls today. His place is in midfield.

 

[Vilarrubi]

Two great lobbed through balls today. His place is in midfield.

Just about 3 seasons too late.

 

[EdmondDantes]

Brilliant assist for Suarez.

 

[BarcaMessi]

stay in the midfield. belongs in the midfield.

 

[Andresito]

He was really good. Nice final passes, but I think he'll be exposed in midfield against a high pressing energetic team.