After a slow start, Sergi Roberto has blossomed under Luis Enrique

Barcelona's exhibition against Getafe was another demonstration of the role Sergi Roberto has had this season. His explosion onto the scene has transformed him into a key player for Luis Enrique. 

Without being a guaranteed starter, the coach has slowly eased him into the team and the player has overcome all the difficulties to respond on the pitch in the most effective manner. 

Roberto's irruption is not the result of coincidence or a snap decision from the coach. His growth has been a slow burner with one basic premise - Luis Enrique's blind faith - now allowing him to flourish. The La Masia product had a year from hell with Tata Martino. The Argentine relegated him completely and Lucho arrived with the idea of taking advantage of the qualities he'd seen in the player when they worked together at Barça B. 

The doubts at the beginning of the season and the formation of a Gala XI left little space for Roberto last year, but Luis Enrique fought to maintain his motivation and his enthusiasm. He wasn't giving him enough minutes and he worked with him to psychologically to keep him afloat.

Barça's boss isn't exactly known for his capacity to talk to his players to explain why they are not playing. Martin Montoya, last season, and Marc Bartra, this year, are good examples of that. Sergi Roberto is a special case. Luis Enrique saw a lot of potential in him, so he requested he remained calm and continued working hard because he was a player he didn't want to lose - not at any price. 

At the end of the season he asked that he didn't lose hope and promised him minutes in midfield, but also in a new position, at right-back. Sergi Roberto thought about it and liked the idea. The club didn't want to lose him, either, as they were still under a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. 

In any case, the player, who is well-advised by Josep Maria Orobitg, Pep Setvalls and Gerard Autet decided he would stay, at least, until January. 

Luis Enrique used him at full-back knowing he had the characteristics to succeed. Tests had suggested Sergi Roberto was one of the fastest players driving forward. His results weren't far away from the likes of Neymar, Jordi Alba and Aleix Vidal. For that reason, he was in great shape to drive forward from right-back, with the added bonus that he can handle the ball well. 

The season began and Luis Enrique kept his word. He had minutes in defence and in midfield. Sergi Roberto now feels important and the sensation is that his time at Barça has a long way to go. And even more when Dani Alves' cycle comes to an end.