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3 things we learned: FC Barcelona vs Málaga CF 2017/18 La Liga

By Benjamin Barkworth

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 21: Players of FC Barcelona and Malaga CF observe a minute of silence before the La Liga match between Barcelona and Malaga at Camp Nou on October 21, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by fotopress/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 21: Players of FC Barcelona and Malaga CF observe a minute of silence before the La Liga match between Barcelona and Malaga at Camp Nou on October 21, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by fotopress/Getty Images) /
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Photo by fotopress/Getty Images.
Photo by fotopress/Getty Images. /

Roberto impresses

This match highlighted Sergi Roberto’s versatility as he played in multiple roles; he impressed at both the right-back and central midfield positions. Him and Paulinho are giving Ivan Rakitić heavy competition for his midfield spot. The Croatian hasn’t impressed this season and looks to be struggling in the role Valverde has given him.

The main issue for Rakitić is that he isn’t ambitious enough with possession which hampers Barcelona’s play because it reduces service to Messi. Paulinho and Roberto have both shown that they are comfortable at using passing to aid progression up the pitch. However, they are also able to break through the opposition lines with their dribbling. Roberto showed this on multiple occasions against Málaga and was unlucky not to score.

Next: FC Barcelona vs Malaga: player ratings

He is also to provide this when playing in the right-back position because he is comfortable staying wide as well as coming inside. In contrast, Nélson Semedo prefers to stay wide and provide a threat from there, but he is much stronger defensively.

Interestingly, Semedo and Roberto worked well together in this match when Roberto was moved into midfield. This has the potential to be a future partnership with Roberto’s defensive understanding meaning he has the positional intelligence to cover Semedo when needed. If Roberto continues to impress, Valverde is likely to reward him with consistent starts in central midfield, which would be great to see.