Back again to take a look at some of our players playing abroad. I will be adding Henrique and Keirrison to the list of players to watch and will update about their Brazilian adventures as best as I can. Additionally, La Masia graduate, Alberto Botia shall join the list so we can watch him closely. There are talks about a potential loan move for youngster Kiko Femenia, if this is the case he will be added to the list. Not all these players will feature every-week but if there is something to update, it will be here.

Nolito (Forward/Winger) – Benfica

Nolito started again was held off the score-sheet for the first time in a league game with his new club. It was a bit of a disappointing game for the Spaniard on a personal level as he was subbed off at half-time (for Bruno Cesar who proceeded to score) but Benfica won. It is important to note that Nolito is surrounded by some pretty amazing players at the Estádio da Luz who will only help him develop into a world class star. Valencia and Argentinian star, Pablo Aimar and ex-Barcelona player Javier Saviola are both creative attacking players who can mentor Nolito, this could be a team to cause the likes of Manchester United some problems in the UEFA Champions League, Group Stage.

Oriol Romeu (Midfielder) – Chelsea

Romeu has shown us this week that he is an ambitious and confident young man. When asked about how he would fit into Chelsea’s team he said all the right things.

“Makelele and I are similar. He was very physical, an excellent player, and I hope we have a similar future style.”

“I am not so centred on passing as players like Iniesta, Xavi or Thiago are. I`m more defensive and that`s why I think my game is better suited to English football.”

“I have scored some goals from corners – but it is not my main objective.”

He has yet to make his debut for the Blues but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was suiting up for the next match after the international break. Stay tuned.

Bojan Krkic (Forward) – AS Roma

Serie A has yet to start but I can tell you that Bojan looked lively and dangerous in his debut in Roma’s last preseason friendly against Vasas. The youngster is already excited about the prospect of playing with Francesco Totti this season (aren’t we all) and had this to say about the Italian legend and his game after the match.

“I’m quite satisfied with my debut. The reason that I always looked lively and dangerous is that playing alongside Totti is so easy,” Krkic was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport.

“It’s true that I couldn’t score and it was a real shame that the one shot that hit the crossbar in the first half didn’t go in. We have to be patient though. The most important thing is to develop as a team. We’re on the right track.”

Bojan was also diplomatic when speaking about a possible Barcelona return. (As a refresher, AS Roma signed the Spaniard for €12 million, but Barcelona have an option to buy back the rights of the player at the end of the 2011-2012 or 2012-2013 season, for a fee equal to €17m and €13m respectively.

“I promise that I will do whatever I can to make the fans like me. Whether I will stay here after the first two years? I am very happy here at the moment. You never know what can happen though.”

Keirrison (Striker) – Cruzeiro

In a strange move, Barcelona have loaned about Brazilian striker Keirrison yet again. The 22 year-old joined Barcelona in 2009 from Palmeiras but has spent the next three seasons on loan to Benfica, Fiorentina, Santos, and now Cruzeiro. I was sure he would be spending this season with the Barcelona B team but this isn’t the case and he is back in Brazil. I shall keep you informed over the season of his progress in Brazil.

Henrique (Center back) – Palmeiras

Sticking in Brazil where Henrique has been loaned to Palmeiras for this season. The Brazilian has also spent the last three seasons on loan in Europe but this season is back in his home country to try and impress Barcelona’s scouting staff in South America.

Alberto Botia (Center back) – Sporting Gijón

Alberto Botia was a rock in the back for the U21 Spanish side this summer and has been a starter in La Liga for two seasons now. This is the last year in which Barcelona can buy him back from Sporting Gijón so he is an important one to watch. With Puyol and Abidal aging there will be spots open in Barcelona’s defense in the coming years and Botia could compete with the likes of La Masia graduates Fontas, Muniesa, and Bartra for those places.

Botia started the new campaign where he finished last year, at the heart of Gijón’s defense. Unfortunately Sporting Gijón lost to Real Sociedad in a heated match-up but we will continue to monitor his progress.

Written by Barcaloco contributor Caleb Cousens. Follow Caleb on Twitter at @Gaffers_Corner.