'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#1 Semedo cementing the right-back spot?
Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto are the two right-backs at Barcelona, and the latter has seemed to have the edge. Roberto has started the major games for Ernesto Valverde but that could change in the coming weeks due to Semedo's recent performances.
The Portuguese is a superior player defensively and has been for a long time. But his attacking game has also picked up of late. He got into the box against Girona and opened the scoring with his first goal for the club. Semedo's dynamism and pace are handy on the right side, especially when Lionel Messi drifts centrally to vacate the flank.
After a tough first season in Spain, Semedo is finding his best form. Roberto has been culpable for one too many goals defensively, and Semedo's solidity must be welcome for Valverde. Even as a substitute, Roberto has played in midfield, which further enhances Semedo's case as the first-choice right-back.
