Jordi Alba started Barcelona’s first game of the season against Rayo Vallecano, which ended in a disappointing scoreless draw.
The days following the game, reports started to surface that some were surprised Alba started given how well Alejandro Balde performed during preseason. Those doubts were reaffirmed after a poor display from Alba.
In their second game against Real Sociedad, Xavi Hernandez tinkered with his system, playing with three at the back. He also started Balde in midfield. His gamble paid off as Balde was the one who delivered the pass for Robert Lewandowski’s opener.
Xavi chose to stick with the youngster and Balde played the full 90 minutes in their 4-0 win against Real Valladolid. While he wasn’t directly involved in any of the goals, the 18-year-old was lively up front and solid at the back.
It was another good performance from Balde, meaning he is likely to start the next match against Sevilla. He spoke a little following the win.
“I felt very good,” Balde said. “Just like when I made my debut last season, it’s still a dream come true to be with the best and now I try to learn every day to continue improving.”
The left-back position is one Barcelona were trying to improve heading into the season. They are still being linked with Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso with some all but confirming he will be a Barça player before the close of the window.
Regardless of whether or not Alonso arrives, the one who will likely suffer the most will be Alba rather than Balde.
He showed something against Real Sociedad who, with all due respect, is a tougher side than Valladolid. Barring an injury, he is going to get another chance to prove himself against Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
Xavi: “Balde deserves to play. I'm so happy for him. Physically he is very strong, he can dribble, he has great offensive ability, he helps us a lot, he is a spectacular boy. We talk about meritocracy and it's his moment " pic.twitter.com/7t3rMA0xxr
— total Barça (@totalBarca) August 28, 2022
The Catalans have spent so long relying on a declining Alba, it feels like the start of something new with Alba. Balde hasn’t done anything that would merit taking him out of the lineup and is to be Xavi’s long-term bet. Looks like the answer to their left-back problem was in-house all along.