Sergi Roberto: Once A Forgotten La Masia Lad But Now A Crucial Man In Barcelona

Sergi Roberto has been in the spotlight after his crucial performances in games like El Clasico and the historic comeback against PSG.

Whenever people will discuss Barca’s comeback against PSG, Sergi Roberto will be surely recalled. A young lad made his name in the history books with a crucial goal to achieve something considered as impossible. Some might went on to give him the nickname as “94:39”, the exact moment of historical goal he scored. But many were unaware of this young La Masia lad until the start of last season. A player once tipped as next Xavi never really broke into the 1^st team till last year. To add that, he was considering his future somewhere else but now becomes an integral part of this team. His topsy-turvy football journey is now getting settled with Barca after no of years. And like other La Masia players, Sergi is living his dream to play for Catalans regularly.

A 25-year-old lad who was born in Reus about 100 km away from Camp Nou started playing the game with a dream to play for Catalans. Sergi Roberto took the 1^st step forward when he joined the famed La Masia Academy in 2006. A central midfielder by nature, Sergi Played for Barcelona B over the years before joining the first team. Going through the ranks of Barca Youth Academy, he played 106 games for Barcelona B scoring 7 times. He proved his worth with youth team and called by Pep in the 1^st team adding another to already La Masia centered Barca. In 2010 he debuted for Catalans but the chances to break into the midfield of magical Xavi-Busi-Iniesta were nearly impossible. He played whenever he got chances but never looked at ease and eventually became a mere spectator from the bench.

More from Everything Barca

• FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
• FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
• Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
• FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
• Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid

It was a test of Sergi Roberto’s patience who spent 14 years before breaking into 1^st team and still warming the benches. But the lad had a workmanlike attitude and an understanding of his limitations which helped him to be in the position where he is now. Sergi Roberto never had skills like Busquets nor the passing range of Iniesta but he had something of everything. That’s what earned him a regular place over the last few years. Going through different phases and seeing both Alcantara brothers succeed at different levels it was Sergi’s perseverance which kept him unmoved. A La Masia lad with skills to suit in Barca’s style of football and character of undying faith waited for his real chance over the years.

Nevertheless, Sergi Roberto came to the team truly when the questions were being raised about La Masia’s decline in producing world-class talents. He had a point to prove to the world and to all those who doubted La Masia.His real opportunity came last season when Alves got injured at the start of the season. Barca had no real option at right back with Vidal unable to sign the deal until January due to ban imposed. And as they say, people who grab the chance go on to achieve something and Sergi Roberto took it with both hands. He played as right back till Alves returned and impressed everyone with his skills. Though he was not Alves, he made sure the damage for Dani’s injury will be minimal.

Over the years from 2010-17, Sergi Roberto played 151 games for 1^st team netting 6 goals and most importantly fulfilling the needs of the team. He played as left back, defensive mid and winger also and gave his manager variety of options to choose from. He was more open to playing at any position his manager demanded with almost playing in as many as 7 positions. It was an asset for any team to have a player of such dynamic quality and Sergi always responded with good performances.

Playing in any position asked by coach and giving his best was the start of Sergi’s emergence into the team. He is a jewel with lots of potentials but seemed forgotten in the era of Barca’s midfield dominance. Be it his back flip assist to Suarez last season or the pinpoint passes to Neymar in last El Clasico were signs that this lad is a gem.

In the Messi’s absence, last season Sergi got regular chances and he made most of it by gaining Lucho’s trust. A trust with which Barca made him 1^st RB choice and didn’t bother to look for in the transfer market. He proved his coach right with good performances over the weeks but when he got a chance in midfield he was something else.

Be it his tireless runs through mid, improved passing range and link-up with Messi Sergi Roberto is becoming one of his kind. He started to provide stability in midfield when Barca deployed 3-4-3 formations but his defining moment came in the game against PSG. Coming from the bench, he scored the historic goal to take Barca further in UCL. He showed the never say die attitude of La Masia player which was missing these years. He got his name in the history book with that goal which will never be erased. The midfielder has been good throughout this season and has been a bright spot in the team.

Next: Latest Transfer Rumors

To sum up, many players moved away from Camp Nou for 1^st team chances but Sergi Kept his cool and waited for his turn. And now this is Sergi Roberto’s turn to have his name in minds of Camp Nou faithful. Not to mention, he already has started his journey towards that goal. However, his run in El Clasico for Messi’s brutal goal proved why he is growing in stature in the Barcelona midfield. Sergi Roberto has waited long for his chances and it’s time for him to prove his choice. Just to remind, there are and will be many players who flitter through Barca’s history before leaving the roost. But the name Sergi Roberto will never be.