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Barcelona: Can Sergi Palencia finally make a breakthrough on return from loan?

By Chiranjib Ghosh

Bordeaux's Spanish defender Sergi Palencia (L) fights for the ball with Caen's Congolese midfielder Prince Oniangue during the French Ligue 1 football match between Bordeaux and Caen at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on November 11, 2018. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images)
Bordeaux's Spanish defender Sergi Palencia (L) fights for the ball with Caen's Congolese midfielder Prince Oniangue during the French Ligue 1 football match between Bordeaux and Caen at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on November 11, 2018. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Sergi Roberto has been asking for a return to his natural position for a long time

When Ernesto Valverde took over as Barcelona manager, he promised Sergi Roberto a return to his natural position in midfield. This promise was reinforced by the fact that the club signed Nélson Semedo from Benfica for €30 million in the summer transfer window.

But due to consistently good performances by the midfield trio constituting Ivan Rakitić, Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta, the 26-year old La Masia graduate had to stay as right-back in the first-team. Moreover, Semedo needed time to adapt to the La Liga.

But this season, Nélson Semedo has improved considerably. The 24-year old Portuguese right-back filled in for Sergi Roberto at certain points, and was highly impressive. Roberto hasn’t deteriorated by any means. He was poor against Real Betis, but that was an exception.

All these developments raise a very significant question: Will Ernesto Valverde finally fulfill his promise of promoting Sergi Roberto to midfield next season considering that Nélson Semedo looks ready for a spot in the first-team?

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Of course, it would mean less playing time for Roberto. But he could act as the successor to Ivan Rakitić, who is not getting any younger. But it would mean more game time for Semedo, who has done very well in recent times. But can this open up an opportunity for Sergi Palencia?

The 22-year old La Masia graduate belongs to the same generation of footballers as Munir and  Carles Aleñá among others. But he was always overlooked for a call-up to the first-team squad. Frustrated, he left the club on loan after Moussa Wagué was signed from KAS Eupen.

But Palencia has done very well at Bordeaux. He has made 14 appearances in all competitions, he has provided 1 assist. The Spain youth international has looked very impressive, and has effectively pushed out Youssouf Sabaly from the Girondins first-team with his consistency.

He looks to be a very good candidate for the role of backup to Nélson Semedo if Sergi Roberto finally returns to his natural position. Moussa Wagué is a very good young player with a lot of potential, but he has made just 2 appearances for Barça B this season.

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The 20-year old Senegalese right-back needs some more time in the Barça B first-team, or rather, a loan spell at one of Europe’s top leagues, before he’s ready for a berth in the first-team squad. So, it seems like Sergi Palencia may finally get his breakthrough next season.