Xavi ‘delighted’ with Barcelona captain’s attitude despite his reduced role in the team

Following Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s departures in the summer, Sergi Roberto became the first captain of FC Barcelona.

However, the veteran utility man has not had many opportunities to lead the team out onto the pitch so far this season as game-time has been pretty much non-existent for him.

Indeed, of Barça’s seven matches across all competitions this term, Roberto has started just two and accumulated only 174 minutes of action in total.

In fact, the 31-year-old has been an unused substitute in the Catalans’ last three La Liga encounters.

Xavi happy with Roberto

Despite his reduced role and minimal game time, SPORT reports that Roberto continues to show an exemplary attitude in training and has maximum involvement with the team so that everyone around him has no problems.

Roberto’s attitude and behaviour are understood to have made an impression on manager Xavi Hernandez, who is ‘delighted’ with his first captain.

Roberto has seen Joao Cancelo become the first choice at right-back while the manager has a plethora of options in midfield ahead of him, including young Fermin Lopez.

The 31-year-old would obviously prefer to play more than he has been doing so far but respects the manager’s decision and has not shown any signs of being upset.

Roberto’s time will come

The report goes on to state that Xavi is very satisfied with Roberto and how he is leading the team despite his reduced involvement.

And the manager believes that the 31-year-old will get his chances given that the season is long and there will be a point when he will need all hands on deck.

In fact, reports earlier today suggested that Roberto could even start the weekend’s La Liga clash against Sevilla so that Cancelo could be given a breather.