Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto done playing right back

Sergi Roberto has been one of Barcelona’s most versatile players in recent history. He’s played in midfield, at right back, up front and even served as an emergency left back.

The 29-year-old, however, has grown tired of playing at right back and is hoping for a permanent move back to midfield.

According to Sport, Roberto wants to only play in midfield as when he’s done so this season, he’s done fairly well. He’s scored twice and given an assist in the times he’s played there this season.

Roberto has been one of the players singled out by the Barcelona supporters

No one had a passable performance in the loss to Bayern Munich. However, when Roberto was taken off, he was greeted by a chorus of boos by those in attendance at the Camp Nou.

The backlash took a toll on him as he was reportedly upset and to the point of tears in the dressing room after the game.

During his post match press conference, Gerard Pique came to the defense of his teammate.

"“It hurts me a lot personally because I know this person, he’s a spectacular human being and he loves this club more than anybody,” Pique said.“I’d like to remind people also that he’s not a full-back… he’s a central player, a midfielder. He’s made a sacrifice to play this position and he’s done it phenomenally many times.“It hurts a lot but the people are free to voice their opinions but if you ask me personally, it hurts a lot.”Source: Goal"

Pique is right on two counts. People are free to voice their opinions and that Sergi Roberto is not a right back.

With the absence of Sergiño Dest and the sale of Emerson Royal, Barcelona had no other choice but to start Roberto. He has put in some decent performance from time to time but they are few and far between.

Roberto is simply another victim of the club’s poor squad planning. They’ve yet to find anyone to replace Dani Alves nor a decent back-up for Dest who only arrived last season. Given everything that’s gone wrong recently, Roberto is an easy person for the supporters to scapegoat.

Another factor has to do with the player yet to sign a contract extension. Despite the boos and pressure from the fans, Roberto continues to want to stay at Barcelona. The Catalan side also want him to sign a new deal though at a fraction of the wages he is currently on.

Roberto may get his wish of playing in midfield. With Pedri’s injury, he is one of the options to replace him. He sees himself as a midfielder — not a right back. Perhaps it’s time for the manager and the club to see things from his perspective.