Luis Enrique has successfully managed to adapt Sergi Roberto's game, and in the process make the youngster an increasingly key member of his 'Azulgranas' squad.

The Barcelona youth product didn't manage to make a midfield position his own at the Camp Nou, but has quickly found that he has been offered more playing time thanks to the versatility his boss had identified. When the 23-year-old was asked to stand in at right-back for the injured Dani Alves – who missed several games through injury – the converted central-midfielder earned rave reviews.

During Messi's absence he has also played out on the wing, in a position in which he brought his quality and fine crossing ability to the table. In his most familiar central-midfield berth he has delivered some highly accomplished performances, and it was from precisely this area that he tore into Real Madrid on Saturday to set up Luis Suárez for the opener. Last term, Barcelona's number 20 was limited to deputising for Busquets in the holding role when the latter was in need of a break.

Roberto can be best described as a hybrid between Alves, Busquets and Rakitic, and on current form, and in recognition of the patience he has displayed, he is fully deserving of a place in the Barcelona line-up, which many observers thought he wasn't cut out for.