Sergiño Dest must take advantage of opportunity

Sergiño Dest set to take over given absence of Dani Alves

Sergiño Dest has struggled since arriving at Barcelona from Ajax only a season ago. The Catalan side beat out competition from the likes of Bayern Munich to acquire the right-back. At the time, it seemed like a signing for the present and the future.

But the American failed to establish himself under former manager Ronald Koeman. He split time with Sergi Roberto in his first season and, despite some flashes, proved inconsistent.

He’s been plagued with injuries this season and hasn’t been taken into account by Xavi Hernandez. Fortunately for Dest, that could all change soon.

Dani Alves was sent off in Barcelona’s 4-2 win against Atletico Madrid following a ridiculous foul on Yannick Carrasco.

The fallout from that sending off was made official as the Brazilian right-back was suspended for two matches, meaning he will miss the Catalan Derby against Espanyol and the match against Valencia.

While not the way he would have liked to get back into the starting line-up, Dest now has an opportunity to show he has what it takes to succeed at Barcelona.

He was subbed into the game against Atletico after Alves was sent off. Given the situation he was thrust into, Dest performed well in stifling the Colchoneros’ attack, demonstrating some defensive solidity that was lacking in previous performances.

The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Camp Nou during the January transfer window but decided to stay and fight for his spot. His chance has finally come as he’s the only other right-back on the team. Oscar Mingueza is another option but he’s struggled in nearly every occasions he’s been called upon.

With Alves also left out of the Europa League squad, this could be now or never for Dest. Given the signings the club has made in attack, he won’t be jumping from different positions as he was prior. The right-back spot is his for at least the next two games and he will need to make the most of it.