La Liga: 2016-17 Team of the Season: Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico dominate

RB – Sergi Roberto – Barcelona

The task of making an impact within a squad that boasts the talent of Barcelona is never easy, no matter how gifted a young player might be. The difficulty is increased even further when taking over a role once dominated by a departing legend like right-back Dani Alves. But Sergi Roberto managed to do just that at the Camp Nou this past season.

The 25-year-old academy product found it tough to break into the first team line-up as a midfielder, and a move to the back-line seems to have the Spanish international set up for future success. Roberto provided six assists for the Blaugrana in 2016-17.

Manager Luis Enrique understood what he had in Roberto, and made the wise decision to switch the youngster from the midfield to full-back. The impact was almost immediate, and the player certainly looked comfortable in his new role. The league campaign was solid, but along the way there was a surreal moment that will live on forever in Catalonia.

Down 4-0 from the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 encounter with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona engineered one of the all-time greatest comebacks in football history with a 6-1 victory in the deciding match. Deep into stoppage-time, it was Sergi Roberto’s strike that sent Barca through to the quarter-final stage with a clinical finish.

The goal was a great example of his ability to be in the right place at the right time. And that was true in both the defence and attack for Sergi Roberto this past season.

Honourable mention: Facundo Roncaglia – Celta Vigo