Top 5 Barcelona first team players who have developed immensely under Ernesto Valverde

#4 Nelson Semedo

FC Barcelona v Sporting CP - UEFA Champions League

The solution to our defensive problems? The perfect replacement for Dani Alves? Barcelona fans conclusively state that the Portuguese man is undoubtedly one key find of the Catalan club. What they see in the youngster is a dynamic fullback with capabilities of hurting opponents on the break.

Quick on the ball and skilful with his feet, Semedo didn't enjoy the ideal start of life at Barcelona. The Portuguese made his debut for the Catalans in the Spanish Super Cup, which they famously lost to arch-rivals Real Madrid.

However, better things were written in fortunes for the defender. Largely backed by the support from Barcelona fans, Semedo was given the confidence to start and perform against big teams.

His real break came against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, where Semedo put a decent performance to win the hearts of many. Now mooted as a long-term replacement to the legendary Daniel Alves, the young gun is certainly one player the Catalans can rely upon in the long-term.

Semedo has shown promise in his performance with abilities to hurt opposition defence and clear out enemy lines in case they come calling. Jordi Alba's blistering speed on the left and Semedo's lighting acceleration on the right is set to be the origin of one too many problems for anyone who challenges the Catalans and stands in their trek to glory.

Semedo has certainly added a lot to Barcelona's defence this season, which looks reinforced and conceded just one goal in all of the UEFA Champions League this season, which makes them the best European defence. Ernesto Valverde's men at the back are also the joint-best defence in Spain.

Atletico Madrid v Barcelona - La Liga

"Nélson is very good both physically and technically. We've been watching him evolve. He's a young player with a bright future. He'll bring a lot to the team and will adapt quickly." - Robert Fernandez, FC Barcelona's Technical Secretary

Nelson has started for Barcelona seven times in the league and made his mark in five out of their six European outings this season. The youngster averages an astounding 87% pass success rate in the Spanish League and the number goes as high as 89.6% against the European clubs.

Semedo also has a rare ability to bring in fouls from opponents owing to his dribbling ability on the right flank. The Portuguese averages over 1.3 dribbles per game, a decent stat for a newly bought fullback.

With the talents of Ousmane Dembele and Nelson Semedo on the wings, the flair and skill Barcelona fans are destined to witness in the coming years are unparalleled.