Sergi Roberto has more than his fair share of critics but took over from Pedri on Sunday and needed just 99 seconds to open the scoring against Getafe. Incidentally, it’s the fastest goal Barca have scored under Ronald Koeman in the league.
That’s now two goals and an assist for Barca’s third captain in just 120 minutes of football since being restored to the midfield for the 2021-22 campaign by Koeman. Like it or not, it’s a strong start from Roberto after a dismal campaign last time out.
The 29-year-old does now seem Koeman’s first choice in midfield if any of the Dutchman’s favored trio drop out, although he’ll need to keep an eye out for youngsters Gavi and Nico Gonzalez who are also pushing hard for minutes.