Jordi Alba continues to be a vital member of Barcelona’s squad despite rumours appearing earlier in the season linking him away from the club, report Mundo Deportivo.
The player from L’Hospitalet had a great game against Sevilla in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory and assisted Raphinha’s goal in the 79th minute.
Even though Alejandro Balde burst onto the scene this season and is providing serious competition for Alba at left-back, it appears as though Xavi counts on both and uses them in different kinds of games. The Barcelona coach prefers to use Alba for matches against opponents who play tight and leave little space, while Balde usually starts in games that are predicted to be more open:
“We lack a final pass and Jordi is one of the best in La Liga, providing that final pass from the flank, while Balde bursts in from the back with speed.”
Despite turning 34 in March, Alba still has plenty to offer in the Blaugrana shirt.
GSFN | Tom Cserép
