Out of favor Barcelona veteran passes the test with flying colors

Photo by Siu Wu/picture alliance via Getty Images

Xavi Hernandez deployed a significantly rotated Barcelona XI in the La Liga clash against Cadiz last night. Most of the fringe players were given a chance in this game, and Sergi Roberto was the one who made the most of this opportunity offered to him.

The game against Cadiz came in a difficult time for La Blaugrana. The team had been coming from a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou in the Europa League play-off first leg against Manchester United and were missing a number of key players. Ousmane Dembele, Ronald Araujo, and Pedri were all sidelined, which forced Xavi to put up a heavily rotated side in the match.

This lineup featured a number of fringe players like Eric Garcia, Sergi Roberto, Ferran Torres, as well as Ansu Fati who also has seen chances coming slow in the last few matches.

From among these players, Sergi Roberto was the most conspicuous in this match, while Ferran Torres also had a memorable game. Roberto opened the scoring from a Ferran pass to Lewandowski, which was blocked at the line by a defender, and fell to the experienced Roberto, who made no mistake and finished the chance.

This goal was the cherry on top of a game that he played well overall, and thus provided Xavi with cause for much optimism at a time when his midfield has thinned due to injuries.

This performance is also expected to repair the relationship of Roberto with the Barcelona fans to some extent. Xavi also described the criticism aimed at the player as unfair and praised the veteran, especially for his commitment and attitude. Thus, a contract extension might not be entirely out of question for the midfielder and could materialize before the end of the season.

The Latest

Xavi looking to rest two key players in the upcoming Barcelona games

FC Barcelona are facing a highly congested schedule ahead and will have to play more than one match in the coming weeks. The Catalans...

Barcelona overcome their reliance on €100 million-rated star – report

Over the course of the last few seasons, FC Barcelona had become a club all too familiar with the act of depending on certain...

Former Barcelona Director enticed by Atletico Madrid – report

FC Barcelona have managed to remain a truly competitive side over the last few seasons despite their significant economic limitations. Ensuring the arrival of...

Vitor Roque’s injury not as grim as feared, anticipated healing in 30-40 days

FC Barcelona bought several high-quality players during the summer transfer window. Celebrated veterans like Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo were brought in, while some...

Real Madrid-bound striker sends message of support to Barcelona-bound star

FC Barcelona received horrific news yesterday as the Brazilian striker Vitor Roque suffered a serious injury which can keep him out of action for...

Barcelona legend full of praise for Xavi: “Had the courage to take on this challenge”

Xavi Hernandez has done a commendable job at FC Barcelona since his arrival back in late 2021. He steered around a sinking ship and...

Official: Xavi Hernandez renews with FC Barcelona until 2025

Much anticipation was felt in terms of the wait for FC Barcelona to ensure the continuity of key figures within this current team. Ranging...

Two Barcelona stars among the five highest valued teenage sensations – report

The abundance and quality of talented youngsters at FC Barcelona is barely matched by any other club, even from among the elites of Europe....

Xavi explains former forward’s new role at Barcelona

The squad of FC Barcelona for the 2023-24 season changed significantly as noteworthy players left after the end of the last season, and other...