Six Barcelona players that must step up next season

For FC Barcelona, we all know what to expect from Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Xavi, but it will take more than just that trio if the club seeks to get back to being known as the best club team in the world. It usually comes down to role players and secondary team-mates when teams seek to make the leap from good to great.

Here are the players that I think need to step up at the Camp Nou this season.

Sergio Roberto

He is a player that has been talked about for the past few seasons, but never as their best prospect. He’s played with the first team every so often, but it seems this year Sergio Roberto has finally arrived.

His first two pre-season matches have made many rethink their thoughts on the departing Thiago Alcantara, but he will have to really prove it against better sides when it counts before I’m ready to join that club. With Xavi nearing the end of his career, it will be more likely that he will see big minutes this season, either as a substitute or starting in matches against some of the easier Spanish teams.

Roberto will likely be the second midfield sub used, depending on how Cesc Fabregas is positioned. To play in the Barcelona midfield, you have to be confident with the ball and defenders have to fear you.

Xavi does something that is key to the success of the Barcelona attack – he creates a rhythm within the team that keeps defences at bay.  He is very patient with the ball and not afraid to weave passes through stacked defences. Thiago was more aggressive, looking to get forward and this changed the on field dynamic at times.

I prefer the Xavi method of holding up the ball and making the defence chase the ball and wear themselves down, and so, generally, do Barcelona. The biggest issue I had with Thiago was he would rush forward too often and never establish that rhythm. I think the fact Roberto is not as flashy means he will take the Xavi approach. In order to achieve success playing that way, he must instil fear in the defences of other sides. Otherwise, he will get run over in midfield.

Success for Roberto this year will not be determined by goals or assists, but by his ability to keep the team in rhythm and the accuracy and purpose of his passes. If he can be solid in his appearances, then Barca will have addressed a depth concern without having to spend big money on a transfer.

Barca would love to make everyone forget about the loss of Thiago, and Roberto is their best chance for achieving that.