Sergi Roberto: Going back to midfield will be good if I play; if not, it won't Barcelona Not worried about competition

Sergi Roberto first broke into the Barcelona first team as a midfielder before establishing himself as a trustworthy right-back in recent seasons, but it now appears as though he will be returning to midfield.

The Blaugrana have been determined to hold onto Nelson Semedo this summer and that, in part, is likely to have played a part in Ernesto Valverde's decision.

"I really like the idea [of going back to playing in midfield], but the problem is that there are a lot of people [in that position]," Sergi Roberto said.

"I'm ambitious and I'll work to create a space wherever the coach decides.

"It [returning to midfield] will be good news if I play. If I don't play, it won't."

In terms of the competition in midfield, the 27-year-old is not worried.

"It's good to compete with the best," Sergi Roberto added.

"There are the best players in the world here [at Barcelona] and only 11 play.

"I'll work to create a space in the squad. We all have to fight to be better than last year."

Frenkie de Jong is one of those in midfield who will make Sergi Roberto's life more difficult, and the Catalan has been impressed by the young Dutchman.

"He's adapting very well, we all saw him last year performing at a high level with Ajax," he noted.

"It's easy to play alongside him. It's a pleasure to play alongside him and [Carles] Alena, who has played very well too."