I'm a little bit worried for Keita and his playing time. I know he actually made the most appearances of any Barcelona player last season, BUT his main role was as either a midfield substitute for Xavi/Iniesta, a starter if Xavi/Iniesta were out, a Cup player, or sometimes a more defensive sub for an attacking player if Barcelona was ahead. This is exactly what it seems Cesc will be doing this season. He will certainly start in midfield over Keita if Xavi or Iniesta are out or for the Copa Del Rey. I can't imagine Cesc not being the first midfield sub off the bench, and Cesc certainly makes sense to sub in for an attacking player if you want to go a bit more defensive and put in a midfielder, because he still retains a lot of goal scoring prowess. Furthermore, Thiago might actually be ahead of Keita for playing time after Cesc.
I think Keita is really going to have to develop as a DM in order to get playing time. However, in order to get playing time at DM, Mascherano will have to effectively be a permanent CB, because I can't see Keita getting DM time over Mascherano (who himself is only a sub for Busquets at DM). That won't happen if Puyol and Pique are both fit. I have a feeling Puyol will be out a lot of the season, but if he's not, I really dont see how Keita gets playing time. And even if he is, Keita only gets playing time if Pep chooses to make the backline Abidal-Pique-Mascherano-Alves instead of Adriano-Pique-Adidal-Alves. I don't think it's 100% certain Pep would prefer the first set up.
So basically I'm worried for Keita because barring an injury filled season Barca this yea, he's gonna have a tough time getting on the pitch.
