Barça’s third captain blocked a shot, tried another, intervened 15 times and did not miss any of the 10 passes he made in the ten minutes he played against Mallorca
Against Inter Milan, the Reus footballer could have an unbeatable opportunity to ask for a step in a highly demanding scenario
Football usually gives you back everything you give it, but sometimes it can also be very unfair. Sergi Roberto has been living with the bitter side of the beautiful game for a long time. Injuries have prevented him from playing regularly for the past two years. The one from Reus only played 20 games (1,198 minutes) in the 2020/21 season and, last season, his role was testimonial, with 567 minutes spread over 12 duels between August and October and a relapse when it seemed that his return to the ‘green’ it was imminent.
The third captain of Barça, however, began the redemption attempt last summer. A few weeks before his contract expired, he accepted a downward renewal, with conditions substantially lower than those of his previous contract, to continue in the club of his life. Recovered from the muscle problems that weighed him down in the past, Sergi Roberto faced the current course with the need to feel like an important footballer again at the Camp Nou. Xavi approved his continuity. His ‘wild card’ profile made him an interesting player for the coach.
The youth squad started off on the right foot. With a goal and an assist in six ‘times’. He vindicated himself in the friendly against Manchester City to raise funds against ALS – he had a very emotional night, as his mother died of this disease in 2019 – and he started in the opening match of the Champions League group stage, against Viktoria Plzen (5-1). He offered good benefits as a lateral. From that night, however, He had discomfort that prevented him from exercising 100% and, therefore, from entering Xavi’s calls. He was not available against Bayern, Cádiz and Elche.
The national team break, disastrous for Barça due to all the players he has lost due to injury, gave him two weeks to complete his set-up and reappear at a key moment when the team needs you in the right lane. Sergi Roberto was not a starter at Son Moix, but he ended up coming on from the bench. He played about ten minutes and played soberly: he blocked one shot, tried another, stepped in 15 times and didn’t miss any of the 10 passes he made. Without fanfare or mistakes, he looked comfortable. When the referee signaled the end of the match, he stayed on the pitch for a while longer doing various exercises. Upon entering the locker room tunnel, the few remaining local fans in the stands cheered him on.
It is likely that the one from Reus will be from the game in Milan. His feelings were good and Barça, no matter how much Alejandro Balde fulfilled in Mallorca, needs a guaranteed side. Sergi Roberto, therefore, could have an unbeatable opportunity to request passage in a scenario of maximum demand.