Rafinha and Sergi Roberto have left behind their statuses as apprentices and have become full members of Barcelona's squad. Both the Brazilian and the Catalan have taken a step forward this season and are now taking advantage of all the opportunities that Luis Enrique is giving them. Both were starters at the Vicente Calderon and they showed why they deserve to be regulars in the XI. Their progression has been spectacular and both players have become surprise "signings" this summer.

Francesc J. Gimeno

Rafinha is alternating playing as a forward with being in the midfield, depending on the needs of the Asturian coach. The departure of Pedro means he is first choice to step in for Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez, while also first choice to replace one of Iniesta or Rakitic, if needed, as shown in the first few games.

The Brazilian has started four matches, including against Sevilla in the final of the European Super Cup, scoring in that game, which Neymar was absent from due to mumps. He also started in the Spanish Super Cup first leg against Athletic, though was in th centre of the midfield. Luis Enrique picked him again in the first game of the season, also against Athletic with Neymar still out. He was also picked in Messi's stead against Atletico Madrid. So far he has only missed two games. He did not play the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup or start at home against Malaga - he replaced Rakitic with 27 minutes to go.

Sergi Roberto has also stepped forward in an obvious way, Luis Enrique twigged that the Catalan had the ability to play as a ful back and Dani Alves' injury has opened the door for him. Despite his lack of experience in that position he is playing at a high level, playing 252 minutes there in official competition.

He has more than fulfilled his duty in both defence and attack, showing that Luis Enrique knew what he was doing when he thought of him, and began testing him there in pre-season. The Barcelona coach is calm, waiting for Alves to return to the team, which will be soon.

The Catalan has also been useful to give more oxygen to Iniesta and Rakitic - playing in midfield for the last 27 minutes of the UEFA Super Cup, plus extra-time, and an hour in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.