Why Barcelona should hold onto Nelson Semedo beyond this summer
According to Spanish media outlet Sport, Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo has frozen contract renewal talks with Barcelona.
The report also suggests that the full-back is edging towards an exit from the Camp Nou after negotiations between both the parties broke down. Semedo is currently tied with the La Liga side until 2020 but has struggled for game time after falling behind Sergi Roberto.
The 26-year-old is hesitant to pen down fresh terms after the club failed to guarantee him more action despite arriving there back in 2017. Touted as a future replacement for former star defender Dani Alves, Semedo has failed to nail down a spot in the first-team line-up all this while.
The right-back position has been a problem area for the Catalans since Alves’ departure, with Roberto and Semedo often sharing the responsibilities. However, the club has mostly preferred academy graduate Roberto at the back, making Semedo more of a secondary option.
Lack of regular action seems to have taken a toll on the Portuguese, however, despite his lack of chances, Semedo has always delivered when given an opportunity.
This season alone, out of his 21 league appearances, eight have come from the bench. Still, he has managed to make three assists – one more than first-choice man Roberto, who has featured more.
Semedo decision puts Barcelona in a difficult spot
This puts Spanish giants Barcelona in a very precarious state as they clearly lack depth in that position. Quique Setien’s side are currently on top of the La Liga table, however, are closely followed by arch-nemesis Real Madrid.
With Barcelona dominating the league in the past couple of years, Semedo’s decision is going to affect the club in the coming days. In Semedo, the Catalans have a world-class defender, who is a two-time La Liga winner and a two-time Portuguese champion with former side Benfica.
He also won the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, defeating Holland in the final last year. Thus, having proved his potential at the highest level, there is no questioning Semedo’s talent.
Despite featuring in more matches, Roberto has managed to grab just six clean sheets, which the Portuguese already has under his belt playing fewer games. Also, he has been a part of 13 of their overall 18 wins this season, giving a clear indication of his significance in the current line-up. Hence, Barcelona should stop this game of uncertainties and offer him more.
They need not worry about Roberto either, as his versatile skills enable him to play a little ahead on the pitch as a central midfielder. It is something the 28-year-old has done in the past and still does, having played eight times as a midfielder this season itself.
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Verdict
Barcelona clearly lack depth in the right-back role, and holding on to the experienced Semedo seems like a very safe bet at the moment. His numbers are proof of his potential and the Catalans must keep a little more faith in him.
