La Liga 2016/17: Barcelona 1-0 Granada - 5 Talking Points

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 29:  Lionel Messi (2nd R) of FC Barcelona fights for the ball with Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez (R) and Matthieu Saunier (3rd R) of Granada CF during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Camp Nou stadium on October 29, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Even Messi struggled to break past the Granada defence 

#5 Sergi Roberto slotting in as a right-back

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20:  Lionel Messi (R) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Sergi Roberto (L) after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou on August 20, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Could Sergi partner Leo Messi like Dani Alves did during his time in Barcelona?

While this is something we have been accustomed to this season after the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Sergi Roberto’s performance at right-back is something to be appreciated for sure. Barcelona’s faithful servant moved into the first team after four fantastic seasons with the B team but never managed to break into the main 11, facing competition from the likes Xavi, Iniesta, Rakitic, Busquets and Fabregas over the years.

However, last season proved out to be his year as he proved his versatility playing in 7 different positions on the pitch. After a few good performances at Right Back, he is now the first choice right-back for Barcelona and has been terrific. Bursting down the flank with pace, he has been combining well with Lionel Messi while his crossing is arguably better than that of Dani Alves. Sergi Roberto is certainly one of the best Right backs in the world already.

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