Exclusive Jordi Alba interview: All I am missing is the World Cup...

There have been 62 international caps for Spain for Jordi Alba since he exploded at the 2012 European Championships. Since then, he's been untouchable in the team. He won the Euros that year but he wants a lot more. The man from L’Hospitalet spoke to SPORT as he prepared to take part in his second World Cup this summer, with his eye on the top prize. 

After the disappointment of Brazil, what are the feelings four years on?

The World Cup is the only trophy missing from my honours. I'm able to play in the competition for the second time in my career now and that's something I could never have imagined. It excites me to take part and I hope we can win it, even though it will be really tough.

After the last two friendlies, the sensations around the squad have dipped a bit...

They're the same as they were before the Argentina game (6-1). It's not easy to win. Any side, like the last two we have played, can beat you. If you don't do things well at this level, you lose. I hope we can beat Portugal in our first game, who are a very good national side, but we're fired up for it the match. 

When results aren't so good, is that the time, more than ever, to stick to the same style?

Yes. Inside the dressing room we have that in mind. If we do things well and we're united, things go better. In a tournament like this, there are going to be moments which aren't so good and we have to stay strong. 

You could meet Lionel Messi in the last eight... Does that excite you?

(Smiles) It depends how you look at it. Leo's a great friend. I'd be excited to see him, and Mascherano, but Argentina are a great team. But I'm among those that thing we can win the World Cup, while knowing that we can also come up against some great teams. I don't have a team who I would like to meant in the last 16 or the quarters. You have to beat everyone. 

Speaking of Messi, he told SPORT he'd like La Masia to have a bigger role at Barça. What do you think as an academy graduate? 

It's just the circumstance of football, of players... When I arrived in 2012, we had 14 players from the academy, there were a lot of us. As the years have passed, Xavi, Puyol, Valdes and Iniesta have left... players that have made the differenct. It's really difficult to recover that sort of level. 

So you think the lack of players coming through is circumstantial...

It's the reality. There are fewer players from the academy, but of course I would like there to be more. Barça are a unique club that works the same way throughout every age group. When you reach the first team, you don't notice the difference. That's my experience. It's the job of the academy to make sure the players of tomorrow don't notice the difference when they come up.

As for your renewal, any news?

Right now I am focused on the World Cup, although I have always said it's my intention to renew. I want to be at the club for as long as I can. That's my intention because it's my home. I hope it's the case.

Do you think Abidal's arrival will allow players like yourself and Busquets to be better appreciated?

I don't think much will change in that respect. Abidal's someone who is loved by the dressing room. He gave the club alot during his time here and we welcome him back. I am sure he will do a phenomenal job.

Do you feel valued?

I always have. I have had a good season and I notice the support of the supporters, which is the most important thing.

Your connection with Messi shows you work well with the world's best, do you think with Griezmann you'd speak the same language on the pitch?

All players that can come to Barcelona adapt really quickly. They're great players and it's easy to understand them.

Full-backs are in fashion... do you feel your status has improved?

Before, full-backs were more defensive and I appreciated being able to attack a lot, but without forgetting that you have to defend, too.