Luis Enrique praises versatile qualities of Sergi Roberto

Luis Enrique has lavished more praise on Sergi Roberto, even though he was left out of the latest Spain squad. 

There had been murmurs the 23-year-old could be included in Vicente del Bosque’s squad, although in the end he didn’t make the cut.

However, that hasn’t dampened the Barcelona boss’ feelings for one of this season’s most impressive performers in a blaugrana shirt.

“There are several players who can play in various positions, but to play across three lines (defence, midfield, attack) as Sergi has done is more difficult,” Enrique said ahead of the visit of Villarreal on Sunday. 

“He’s a really intelligent player. For a manager he always allows many options and you always want players like that on the pitch.”

With Javier Mascherano suspended and Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic injured, Roberto is once again expected to start in midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. 

The player himself has commented that his improvement in form has been down more regular playing time, allowing his confidence to increase.