LaLiga 2019/2020: Ideal midfield combination for Barcelona

Arthur/ Sergi Roberto - Right central midfield

Roberto could be preferred for his defensive solidity

Arthur arrived Barcelona in the summer of 2018, but had a slow start to life at the Camp Nou as Ernesto Valverde did not give him playing opportunities.

A mini-crisis at the club at the start of September however forced his manager into handing the Goiania native his first Barcelona start in the Champions League against Tottenham.

Arthur impressed everyone with his calmness on the ball and general display in the match, sending social media into meltdown with many comparing him to Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez.

It is no hidden secret that the club have struggled to fill Xavi's immense boots since he departed Nou Camp four years ago, and Arthur's stake to his throne was given huge validity when the man in question admitted his admiration for the Brazilian international.

As much as football purists and aesthetics would like to see a Barcelona midfield consisting of Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo, chances are high that this would not be Valverde's first choice midfield combination.

The 51-year-old is an extremely pragmatic coach who prioritizes defensive solidity above anything else, and the speculated departure of Ivan Rakitic could have a major impact on his midfield trio next season.

For the last two years, the Croat has been his manager's go-to guy for defensive solidity in the middle, but if he departs, Valverde could turn to another player in his stead.

Sergi Roberto is another Barcelona trained midfielder who has played the last few years out of position at right-back.

The 27-year-old, despite starring in his converted role has not hidden his desire to return to his more traditional position, and Valverde too, has hinted at a role higher up the field.

In Barcelona's first game of preseason against Chelsea, the 51-year-old started Roberto on the right side of midfield and while it is pertinent to note that Arthur was not available, it could be indicative of Valverde's intention to deploy Sergi Roberto in midfield next season.

Sergi Roberto's time at right-back makes him more defensively aware than Arthur, and as such, Valverde would likely lean more towards him than the Brazilian.