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#3 Nelson Semedo
Valverde's first season in charge was just another year at the right-back position for Sergi Roberto. After Dani Alves' free transfer to Juventus, Sergi Roberto was forced to play at the defensive position instead of his natural midfield role.
Aleix Vidal's incompetence and failure in the transfer market forced the Spaniard to play as a defender. However, Benfica's promising right-back Nelson Semedo joined Barcelona last summer to make up for the defensive gaps in the squad.
It was expected that Valverde would pick Semedo ahead of Roberto, but actually, he relied upon both players and switched them from time to time. While Roberto is a more attack-minded player, Semedo is solid defensively. He covers up for the centre-backs in times of counterattacks and has made several last gap tackles to prevent a goal.
Nelson Semedo boasts a pass success rate of over 88% in the Spanish League. The Portuguese defender has also formed a chemistry with Barcelona players on the right side of the pitch. He effortlessly clears the ball out of danger zones with Gerard Pique and indulges in sublime passing moves with Dembele and Messi.
