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What does Nélson Semedo’s transfer mean for Barcelona’s right-backs?

By Benjamin Barkworth

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Luis Reyes of Mexico and Nelson Semedo of Portugal battle for possession during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Play-Off for Third Place between Portugal and Mexico at Spartak Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Luis Reyes of Mexico and Nelson Semedo of Portugal battle for possession during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Play-Off for Third Place between Portugal and Mexico at Spartak Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) /
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A look at how Semedo’s arrival affects the players that were used at right-back in the past season.

The Catalans finally chose between Semedo and Héctor Bellerín, and efficiently went about their business. €30 million for such a talented player is an absolute bargain. Based on their past few seasons, Semedo seems to be the better choice due to his consistency and higher talent ceiling.

He fills a key need for the squad because the right-back position was the team’s weakest area last year. His arrival naturally brings up questions regarding the future of last season’s right-backs. This article aims to provide potential solutions to these questions.

Sergi Roberto

Roberto was utilised as a makeshift right-back last season, and performed admirably considering he was played out of position. Bringing in Semedo means that there should be no need for him to have to do that again.

His versatility means that Ernesto Valverde could decide to play him in a variety of positions for the upcoming season. Ideally, he would be used as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder in a similar role to how Ivan Rakitić currently plays. This would suit him because he has a natural ability to successfully take on people, but he also has the necessary composure and defensive understanding to excel in the midfield.

He could also be used as a right-winger in a 3-4-3 diamond formation. This formation is a possibility because it suits Lionel Messi’s tendency to drop deeper. Having Messi as the point of the diamond opens up a space on the right which would suit Roberto. He has the tactical discipline to stay wide in order to stretch the opposition as well as the incisive decision-making needed in the final third.

Regardless, Roberto won’t be playing as a right-back next season. This will suit him better and allow him to contribute more to the team.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 23: Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 23: Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Aleix Vidal 

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It could be argued that Vidal is one of the unluckiest players at Barcelona. He was just starting to hit a patch of form when he dislocated his ankle in a league match against Deportivo Alavés. However, he did manage to recover in time to play in the Copa del Rey Final against the same opponents. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to cement his place as first choice for right-back. The arrival of Semedo means that he has shifted down the right-back pecking order. Semedo is much better defensively than Vidal, but also provides the necessary attacking threat. Vidal is versatile, though; Valverde could use him as a winger on the right side.

He has the crossing ability and pace to excel as a winger. In a 3-4-3 diamond formation, the team needs width to stretch the opposition and create space in the middle. Neymar provides this on the left, and Vidal could easily be the option on the right. There is plenty of competition in this role, though, because Gerard Deulofeu, Rafinha, Paco Alcácer and Roberto can all play in this role.

Vidal does have a future with the team regardless of where he ends up playing. He won’t be first choice, but he could excel as a squad player.

Next: How has Barcelona changed since the 2010/11 season?

Sergi Palencia

This could be a breakthrough season for the young Spanish right-back. Valverde has an excellent record with youth as shown by his time at Athletic Bilbao. Players such as Aymeric Laporte, Iker Muniain and Iñaki Williams have all benefitted from his tutelage. He is likely to promote the best La Masia graduates of which Palencia is one. There is also a clear route into the team for him as an able deputy to Semedo.

Vidal and Roberto would both be better utilised in other positions. This means there is an opportunity for Palencia in games against lesser talented opposition. He still has lots to learn, but training with the first team should help him considerably. Continuing his development means that he could provide competition for Semedo in the long-term.