Everything Barca
Fansided

2017-18 FC Barcelona Player Profiles: Nelson Semedo

By Laieke Abebe

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Nelson Semedo is one of the newcomers to the Barcelona squad in 2017-18. What can the Portuguese Right-Back provide for the Blaugrana?

Barcelona has seen it’s struggles in defense over the last few seasons. The biggest area of need going into the 2017-18 campaign was a right-back. Dani Alves’ departure made it very difficult to find an adequate replacement. Sergi Roberto played out of position at right-back last season for Barca. Despite his skills on the ball, he wasn’t really equipped to be a right-back. Aleix Vidal saw time at right-back, but an injury cost him most of the season. Because of this, the Barca board and coaches set out to find a good right-back on the market. This is where Nelson Semedo comes in.

Semedo, who is from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, was signed by Barcelona in this transfer window. The former Benfica defender signed for around €30 million along with potential bonus money. The Portuguese defender has been brought in to the team so sure up a right-back position that has been inconsistent since the departure of Dani Alves. It took him time to develop, but Semedo was a key performer for Benfica last season. The Portuguese power won the Primeira Liga and the Taca de Portugal in 2017.

More from Everything Barca

Semedo had 1 goal and 6 assists in 31 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season. Although he isn’t a goal threat, he is a modern outside back that likes to get forward into the attack. In addition to that, he is able to create chances from the right flank. Semedo was also in the squad for Portugal at the Confederations Cup last month. He spoke at his introductory press conference saying that there was only one option in terms of places to go this summer.

"“Barcelona was always my first option. I didn’t even think about any other offers. All players want to play for Barcelona and I’m no exception. I was really excited when I heard they wanted to sign me. I’m very proud to wear this shirt and I will do everything I can for this club. I already knew what a great club it is, but I have realized even more so today. I’m really happy the deal has been pushed through.”Semedo On Joining Barcelona"

Next: Ex-Barcelona Stars That Left

Overall, Nelson Semedo is a quality signing for Barcelona. Although there are things he can work on like his pass accuracy, he is only 23 years old so the sky is the limit for him. The Blaugrana needed a quality right-back in this window and they got it. Hopefully, Nelson Semedo is ready to don the Barca shirt as the season is close to beginning.