Versatile Sergi Roberto becoming a key figure for Luis Enrique

Andy West 06:13 11/01/2016
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  • Impressing: Sergi Roberto.

    Barcelona boss Luis Enrique’s search for squad depth has been further boosted by the emergence of versatile Sergi Roberto as a substitute for Sergio Busquets in the centre of midfield.

    The energetic Roberto has struggled to make an impact at Barca over previous seasons, but the 23-year-old has made a major breakthrough in the current campaign to become a fundamental member of the squad for the first time.

    Roberto has already started as an attacking midfielder, on the right wing and at full-back this season, and in Saturday’s 4-0 stroll over Granada he was given a new position as the team’s deep-lying ‘pivot’ midfielder as Busquets enjoyed a rare day off.

    In the past, only Javier Mascherano has been trusted with the responsibility of deputising for Busquets, whose game intelligence and positional awareness gives the team’s attacking stars greater freedom to express themselves.

    But Roberto’s composed performance in his new position was a major positive for Enrique, who said: “Sergi Roberto can do so many things and he will be a vital player at Barca for years to come.

    “He gave us a lot: defensive work, little touches, he was capable of orientating play and getting between the lines. In the future it could be the ideal position for him.”

    Enrique was also predictably eager to sing the praises of star man Lionel Messi, who registered his first hat-trick of the season and looks back to his best after missing a month through injury earlier in the season.

    Messi was at the heart of all his team’s attacking play and has now scored 18 goals in just 21 outings in all competitions this season.

    Enrique added: “What Messi is doing will last as long as he wants it to. The fact that he can outdo himself day after day is tied to his personality as the number one player in the world. “

    As a player he is not just unique, but once-in-a-lifetime. Above all, his team-oriented outlook motivates him year after year.”

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