Jordi Alba and Valverde, 'love' at first sight
The full back has started the season like a train and is more confident than ever
The manager has talked with the player several times and emphasised that he sees him as a key player this season
One of the few positives from the Super Cup was that Jordi Alba seems to have got his confidence back. The full back continued the good form he has shown throughout pre-season against Real Madrid.
It can’t be said that he’s starting from scratch – his record shows otherwise – but there’s no doubting that the last few months of the Luis Enrique era were not the Catalan’s happiest. Luis Enrique experimented with a 3-4-3 where Alba was the big loser, particularly in some important games. It was rumoured that Atlético Madrid were interested in the player, although a move was always a remote possibility. Firstly because the club confirmed to him that he was a key player and, secondly, because the player never thought about leaving.
Fortunately, there has been a good ‘feeling’ between Valverde and Jordi Alba from the very first day and the player is flying again. Valverde has made it clear to the player that he sees him as a key part of his attack and his defence.
The full-backs response could not have been better. From the start of pre-season he has had the spark and intensity that are his trademarks when he’s at his best. He has more belief than ever in his qualities and this can only benefit Barça in the coming season.
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