Alejandro Balde: “Xavi tells me to be myself.”

Alejandro Balde was impressive in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Villarreal and continues to earn first-team starts under Xavi.

At the end of the match at La Cerámica, the young left-back thanked his manager for the trust he has been given this season and hopes to be able to do his bit in the upcoming games.

“Xavi tells me to be myself. I’m very happy with the confidence he has in me, with the minutes and I’ll try to be here to keep learning and improving every day,” said Balde in words picked up by Mundo Deportivo.

“In the first half, we had more control, but in the second half it was a bit crazier. We have to continue like this. I’m very happy with the victory and with the team’s work.”

Balde also praised fellow defender Ronald Araújo, who he described as “a beast”. He was also asked about the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of the table, and he added: “there’s a big difference but we’ll try to continue as normal”.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN

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