5 Barcelona players who deserve more game time

Too good to be on the bench?
Too good to be on the bench?

Barcelona has started the new season on a high. Rolling back from an early disappointment in the Spanish Super Cup from the hands of fierce rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona has been unbeaten in all competitions, which make them stand top of the league table and also their Champions League group standings.

Ernesto Valverde's appointment as head manager bought with it speculations regarding the future of youth prospects at Barcelona with the manager promising a heavy focus on the department, reality has been somewhat different than the promises made by the Spaniard.

Valverde was known for developing youth as forging young blood as world-class talents during his days at Atheltic Club. Let's have a look at some of the valuable players at the Camp Nou who could be future superstars and certainly deserve more game time under Valverde;


#1 - Jasper Cillessen

FC Barcelona v VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach - UEFA Champions League
Cillessen moved to Barcelona after a €13M transfer

The Dutch shot-stopper is a lot better than just being a second-choice goalkeeper. With his game time restricted to Copa Del Rey matches, Jasper Cillessen is rightly frustrated to be living under the shadows of Marc Andre Ter Stegen.

One of the most influential factors in Barcelona's successful defence of the Copa Del Rey title, Jasper helped the Catalan grasp their sole piece of silverware last season.

Included in all games but restricted to the bench, Jasper certainly has earned his right to demand more game time in the Spanish League. Cillessen's contract at the Camp Nou runs until 2021 but it would be a surprise to see him remain a the club for that long as a 2nd choice keeper.

#2 Sergi Roberto

FC Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Sergi Roberto score the winner in Barcelona's epic 6-1 comeback over PSG

The hero of the PSG comeback and the constructor of Messi's last-gasp winner in the 3-2 Clasico victory, Sergio Roberto is one of the most promising prospects in all of Europe.

According to reports, the Spanish midfielder rejected big money offers from various top clubs including Manchester United and he would be looking over to a much better future with his boyhood club.

As a versatile player, Roberto has the ability to play three positions and has been contributing effectively to the attack, midfield, and the defence.

A La Masia graduate, the Spaniard's dribbling skills, and immense work rate could prove to be a vital addition to Ernesto Valverde's game plan but the gaffer has restricted Roberto's involvement as a second-half substitute and often even playing him out of his natural position.

Former manager Luis Enrique was forced to field Sergi at the right-back spot due to lack of a proper player on that spot, but with Nelson Semedo under Valverde's helm, playing Sergi at the back isn't well justified.

Sergi Roberto's contract at the Nou Camp runs until 2019 and the Spaniard would be keen to develop and attain an honourable first-team spot.

#3 Denis Suarez

Barcelona v Real Sociedad - Copa Del Rey Quarter-final: Second Leg
Barcelona v Real Sociedad - Copa Del Rey Quarter-final: Second Leg

A player who should have benefitted from Dembele's injury, Denis Suarez has not got the chance he deserves yet. Adding a different spark to the game as soon as he comes on, Denis is lethal in front of the goal, deadly with his runs and accurate in the passing department.

Restricted to be a substitute for the Azulgranas, the former Manchester City starlet has been linked with potential moves away from his boyhood club. But the Spaniard is keen on staying for another season and show his talents to the world.

An influential player for the Spanish young guns, Suarez's dribbling ability and strong foot are a treasure yet to be efficiently unlocked by Valverde.

His contract runs until 2020 and it wouldn't be a surprise if the Barcelona board decides to profit from his €3.25M arrival if he's unhappy at the club.

#4 Lucas Digne

FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga
FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga

While Jordi Alba's revival of form has brought joy to Barcelona fans, the Spaniard's mesmerizing overlapping runs on the left plank has arguably also overlapped Lucas Digne's development at the club.

A natural left-back, the number 19 has only made 19 appearances for the Catalans. A player who has been massively under-used by both Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, Digne's pace and work-rate are potentially world-class.

Digne has featured in a Barcelona shirt only 3 times under the new manager and the Frenchman certainly demands more inclusions to the starting XI in La Liga games.

The former PSG star's contract with the Blaugrana runs until 2021, and the board would certainly mount pressure on the staff to make a profit from Digne's €16.5M arrival as the defender certainly has a lot of potentials.

#5 Gerard Deulofeu

Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga
Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga

Termed as a flop for Everton, and loaned to AC Milan by the English club, tables have turned for the Spanish winger who has been marvellous on the wings for Blaugrana.

An effective machine with a work-rate of the top drawer, Deulofeu complements Ernesto Valverde's pressing tactics perfectly. The Spaniard's contributions to the defence make it easier for the Blaugrana attack and to break past enemy lines.

Deulofeu was certain to be benefitted from Dembele's injury but to the frustration of the player, Ernesto Valverde has made unexplained changes to his formations and lineups. His impressive performances at the start of the season should have secured a more permanent place for the forward in the starting lineup, or at least until Dembele recovers from his knock.

Only a recent addition to the squad, Deulofeu has a contract with the club valid until 2019 and it would be a shock to the fans if the talented forward isn't able to attain a solid spot in the lineup or a certain rotational player.

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Edited by Sripad