UEFA Champions League Final 2015: FC Barcelona player ratings
LB Jordi Alba 7.5
One of the world’s premier left-backs, Jordi Alba looked like the man deserving of a 150 million euro buyout clause to deter other top clubs, as he was a vital part of Barcelona’s three-goal performance. Not only was he far too quick for any of Juventus’s attackers, but marking also stood out last night. He did well to cover Tevez when the Argentinian was looking for a ground cross on the breakaway, and Alba never really looked troubled on the left side of Barca’s defense.
And, as usual, he was instrumental in the team’s attacks, particularly at the beginning of the game. He sent a lovely flick to Neymar in the air to help set up the first goal, and he consistently caused Stephan Lichtsteiner and the Juve defense problems with his running. Jordi Alba is as good as any fullback at creating space for an attack, and he played an underrated role in Barcelona’s triumph.
Next: A bit shaky in the middle