5 reasons why Sergi Roberto should be the new Barca number 8

March 8th 2017: Sergi Roberto went from being just another of FC Barcelona's homegrown talents to a part of the club's history. With the game at 94:39, he got the touch that lead to one the greatest comeback ever witnessed. The 2016-2017 season was a strange one for Roberto, as he went from being a reserve midfielder to an all position player, to becoming the first choice right back. Though he didn't start against PSG on that historic night, he came on as a substitute, and surprisingly played as a midfielder on the left, and the rest they say is history.

He gave another glimpse of his ability, in the El Clasico that followed, and there were calls from Barca fans to play him at his preferred midfield role. That was always going to be difficult with the legendary Andres Iniesta present, and the arrival of Paulinho made it more difficult for a spot to open up. Moreover in the 2017/2018 season under the new coach Ernesto Valverde, Barca mainly played the 4-4-2 formation. But Sergi still remained the first choice right back even in the presence of a natural RB in the form of Nelson Semedo.

The new season is upon us and with the departure of Pauinho and Iniesta, there is a strong possibility of Sergi being deployed at midfield more regularly, even though the surprise signing of Arturo Vidal says otherwise. Iniesta's departure means his iconic number 8 jersey is up for grabs, and there should be no argument as to why Sergi Roberto does not deserve to wear it.

Here are 5 reasons why Sergi should be handed over the number 8 jersey:

1. A La Masia product like Iniesta

An academy product taught to play the Barca way

Sergi Roberto came through the ranks of Barcelona just like the great Andres Iniesta. The best shirt numbers in Barcelona are known to be held by the best talents of their famed academy. It is a statement to the young generation of homegrown players that their performances are rewarded, and given a preference over players signed from other clubs. Denis Suarez is an example. He now holds the number 6 shirt worn by another club legend Xavi, and even though there are better performing midfielders than Suarez, he holds an advantage of being an academy player.

2. The position does not matter

Barcelona jersey numbers have become more iconic over the last decade

Over the last decade the status of Barcelona's jersey numbers has been elevated. Shirts of players like Xavi, Iniesta and Carles Puyol have achieved a status that when the new wearers are selected, the quality of players matter more than their playing position. When Puyol departed, he personally handed over his number 5 to another iconic player Sergio Busquets rather than giving it to another central defender. When Xavi left, his number 6 was briefly worn by club legend Dani Alves, a right back. This again confirms that player position does not matter as much as the player wearing it, and whether Sergi Roberto plays at midfield or as a right back, there is no doubt he has the quality to wear the number 8.

3. Loyalty

In these days, loyalty in football is rare to come by. A few seasons ago Barca had perhaps the greatest midfield of all time. With Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets at their peak, and Cesc Fabregas waiting in the wings, getting into the team was nearly impossible. This was one of the reasons another of La Masia's great talents, Thiago Alcantara, left the club for Bayern Munich. A couple of years later, it was Sergi Roberto's time to make a decision. But he decided to stay and fight for his place.

The Barca academy graaduates

Although he never got to play regularly at his preferred midfield position, Sergi showed great character in whatever position he was played in. In one of the seasons under the then coach, Luis Enrique, he was deployed at not less than 7 positions, before settling at right back. He was the goto man for Enrique when there was an injury crisis, whether it was in place of Dani Alves, Jordi Alba or even Lionel Messi. This loyalty and perseverance is what Barca looks for in a player and Sergi perfectly exemplifies that.

4. "Why not Coutinho?"

A question that may be asked by Barca faithful is why not give the number 8 jersey to Coutinho. He was the one brought in to fill the gap left by Iniesta and take over the playmaking reigns. In a very short time he has become an instant fan favourite, which makes Coutinho a very good candidate.

Barcelona v Real Madrid - La Liga

But if we follow his style of play more closely, Coutinho is more of a Neymar than an Iniesta. A bit more flair and trickery than the master, albeit a more regular goalscorer. Coutinho would be more suited to wear the number 7 than the number 8, and if the newly signed Vidal decides to take that, there is no denying that Coutinho will be happy with his current number 14.

5. A fan favourite on the path to become a club legend

Successor?

Sergi Roberto is still young, and with his performances over the last 3 seasons he has shown he is here to stay. He has provided Barcelona with many iconic moments, and there are no doubts that many more are yet to come. The fans love him not only for his on-field abilities, but just for the fact that he is an academy product that fought to be in this team. He has the Barca DNA and plays their way. The movement, the control, the first touches, the runs and the game intelligence have all been a hallmark of Sergi's game, and the fans thoroughly enjoy that.

This iconic picture still remains in Barca fans' memory

Although Sergi Roberto is another in a long line of illustrious players to have graduated from Barca's academy, many believe that the cycle is coming to an end, with the retirement of many of their top talents. Majority of the fans see the current board as more interested in buying players than focusing on homegrown talents. Sergi is hence thought as the last one to make it to the first team as a regular. It will be therefore rewarding to the fans as well to the player himself to be given the number 8 jersey, worn by one of greatest players to play the game. It is a sign that the team and the coach believe in him and he'll play for many years to come.