5 reasons why Barcelona will be the team to beat next season

#1 They have a new right-back

Nelson Semedo represented Portugal at this year's Confederations Cup

The no.1 chink in Barcelona’s armour last season was their inability to field a competent right-back. Instead, Sergi Roberto was forced to occupy the position throughout the campaign and his uncomfortable performances in the position proved a point of exploitation for opponents.

Most notably in the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, Julian Draxler showed us what can happen when a tricky winger takes on a player out of position. What resulted was a 4-0 drubbing that all stemmed from the un-comfortability of Sergi Roberto.

However, new manager Ernesto Valverde has identified that weakness and responded by signing 23-year old right-back Nélson Semedo from Benfica.

The youngster possesses electric pace, aggression and skilful ball control. The 23-year old has been branded as the next Dani Alves, something Barcelona have missed ever since they sold him.

Semedo is comfortable on the ball, regularly making the right decisions in the final third. He will be a great asset to Barcelona in both the defensive and offensive phases of the pitch.