The reasons Xavi chose to leave out Dani Alves from UEL squad

Xavi had to leave one man out and it was Dani Alves. A hard decision for the coach, who told the player personally that he would not be in the squad list for the Europa League. Barcelona had to give UEFA their decision over which of the new signings were in, with only three new registrations allowed. Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made the list.

Despite the coach backing the Brazilian, he decided that at 38 years old it would be harder for him to play two games every week.

Another reason is that Adama Traore can also play at right wing-back, while Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo can cover the spot too.

With Ousmane Dembele on the outs, Jutgla and Abde unable to be on the B list because they recently arrived, plus Ansu Fatiu’s injury, Xavi preferred to register the three new forwards.

Alves will keep being a leader in the dressing room and La Liga is his playground.