In a recent report, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano offered an update on the future of Barcelona talent Sergi Roberto this summer. It has been revealed that the Catalan club are in advanced talks to tie the Spaniard down to a new contract.
Roberto’s Importance As A Role Player At The Nou Camp
Roberto has been a good utility player in Barca boss Xavi’s match-day squad and has done well to put in a few impressive displays for them during this La Liga campaign. The Spanish midfield ace has featured in 21 matches for the Catalan giants this season, netting three goals and picking up a couple of assists in all competitions.
The 32-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.7 shots and 0.7 key passes per game in La Liga. He has also been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass success rate of 91.1% in the Spanish top flight (stats via whoscored).
Roberto’s current contract at the Nou Camp will expire at the end of this campaign. Hence, it makes sense for the Catalan club to offer him a new deal if they plan to keep hold of him beyond this summer.
What Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Do With Regards To Roberto?
Roberto is a decent tackler of the ball and can make the odd interception for his side in the middle of the park. He is a good passer of the ball and has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the opposition half.
The Spanish sensation is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a holding midfielder or play as a right-back if told to do so. At the moment, he is serving as an important member of Xavi’s squad.
Therefore, the Barcelona boss would be wise to tie him to a new, short-term contract. At 32, Roberto might still have a few good years left in him to serve as a good utility player at the Nou Camp. All in all, Xavi should focus on retaining Roberto’s services at the Catalan club as he has got the experience to help them compete across all fronts in the coming years.
