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3 Things We Learned: FC Barcelona vs Real Betis 2017/18 La Liga

By Benjamin Barkworth

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Lionel Messi (2ndL) of FC Barcelona and his teammate Gerard Deulofeu (L) walk wearing the t-shirt in memory of victims of the terrorist attack in Barcelona this week during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou stadium on August 20, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Lionel Messi (2ndL) of FC Barcelona and his teammate Gerard Deulofeu (L) walk wearing the t-shirt in memory of victims of the terrorist attack in Barcelona this week during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou stadium on August 20, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images.
Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images. /

Nélson Semedo’s league debut

The Portuguese right-back had a great first league match, and reaffirmed his status as first-choice for the role. He brought much-needed stability to the role which hasn’t been seen since Dani Alves left. However, he also fulfilled the attacking responsibilities of the role because he looked dangerous on the ball.

Real Betis weren’t the sternest threat, so it’s hard to judge his defensive performance properly. They are a team adjusting to Quique Setién’s ideas as well as having a large amount of new recruits. However, Semedo did look comfortable defensively. He also looked comfortable on the ball, which is a key ability for any Barcelona player.

Having a talented right-back gives Valverde a lot more flexibility than Luis Enrique was afforded. Last season, that position was a liability due to Roberto and Aleix Vidal not suiting that role. This meant the shape of the team had to work around that with the 3-4-3 diamond being used because it used wing-backs.

Semedo’s ability means that the team is a lot more comfortable in the traditional 4-3-3 formation. This gives them defensive stability and allows both full-backs to provide width. Therefore, the creative players have more options in the final third without having to worry about being caught on the break.

Next: Sergi Roberto in midfield