Outlining What Role Pedro Will Play for Barcelona in 2015/16

When Pedro Rodriguez renewed his contract with Barcelona, it might have come as quite a shock to many who were convinced that the Canary Islander saw his future away from Camp Nou.

Only this past week, James Orr of the Independent cited reports in Spain suggesting Arsenal were in talks with a player that has also been interesting Liverpool.

In any event, the recently married 27-year-old extended his contract to 2019, so any suggestions that a move away is still on the cards could just be mischief-making by one party or another.

Assuming the intent behind signing the contract was to continue his career in Barcelona, it will be interesting to note exactly where Luis Enrique plans to field Pedro.

Before the acquisition of Aleix Vidal and the contract renewal of Dani Alves, there might have been mileage in having Pedro play a shuttling right wing-back role, similar to the one he performed against Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League.

On that occasion, Enrique was lauded for his tactical bravery. Back in February, Dermot Ledwith of ESPN FC noted: "Pedro has the chance to convert to a more defensive position and use his natural pace and running to give Enrique more options."

While full-back is not his natural position, he has trained there with the national team.

That avenue now appears closed to the player, so where exactly does he fit in?

Arguably, the only position immediately suited to his skill set is up front, be that centre-forward or either of the wide positions.

"

Fan footage of Pedro's incredible overhead golazo... (vine via @101greatgoals) https://t.co/cXE9xWoTYd

— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) May 10, 2015"

Given that Messrs Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will occupy those as first choice, Pedro's chances are likely to only come as an impact substitute or when he's given a run out against perceived inferior opposition.

He'll likely also be given opportunities should injuries or suspensions take their toll.

But it's hardly an ideal situation, and it is exactly the same scenario as it was early in the 2014/15 campaign when Rodriguez noted his unhappiness, relayed by beIN Sports (h/t Stefan Coerts of Goal):

"

I am going through a difficult period. It is clear that I am having a tough time to find a place in the team at the moment. I have had few chances to play this season.

I will consider my options in the summer and will then talk with the club to discuss my future.

"

One thing that does mark Pedro out among his contemporaries is his versatility. Although unlikely, there could possibly be a future for the player as an attacking midfielder.

As with his attention to detail as a right-back, Pedro is not averse to some retraining for the good of the team.

The one issue is, again, there are exponents in situ in Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta who aren't likely to be pushed aside on a regular basis for Rodriguez.

Even if there was a switch around, new signing Arda Turan and a BBC Sport-rumoured Paul Pogba would surely take precedence.

Perhaps it's just gamesmanship from the club, who are aware they could command a higher fee for a player who wants out.

Given that no new signings can take root until January at the earliest, it would be far more plausible for the player to hang around for the next five months and join the club of his wishes in the winter window as Barca undergo a major overhaul.