Gerard Pique was a key player for Barcelona last season as he played 40 games, with 33 starts, and scored three goals in all competitions for Barcelona.

This season has however been different for Pique.

The 35-year-old veteran defender was an unused sub in the first two games of the season, and may have little playing time this season.

Gerard appears to be Xavi’s fourth choice at centre-back at the moment and may drop even further down the pecking order now that Jules Kounde has been registered.

Barcelona boss Xavi has explained that Pique’s role in the team will be different this season, and had already told the Barca legend so.

“I spoke with Gerard Pique before the holidays, I told him that there would be a lot of competition and that it wouldn’t be easy for him,” Xavi told reporters in his press briefing ahead of the Real Valladolid game.

“But we’ve only played two games and no assessments can be made. He can help us in another role and in the end, everything will depend on him.”