With El Clasico just around the corner, another Barcelona great has backed his former club to come out on top at the Camp Nou.
Jordi Alba, speaking to Diario AS, exuded confidence in Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s showpiece while also talking about Lamine Yamal, the Ballon d’Or and even Vinicius Jr, among other things.
Alba confident of a Barcelona win
Watching from afar in Miami, Alba is in no doubt that Barcelona’s form will carry them through.
“I see the team doing well from afar. I’m certain they can play a good match and win. They’re having a great season so far, and I hope they can continue that way and take all three points,” he said.
Alba is confident Barcelona will win vs Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The former defender expects Barcelona to secure an emphatic victory, unlike Guti, who is hoping for a Real Madrid win.
“A Clasico is different from any other. It doesn’t matter how the teams are playing. I’m certain Barcelona is playing very well, and I have complete faith that they will continue to do so and win the match. I’ll be happy if Barcelona wins.”
Asked which Real Madrid player worried him most, Alba admitted he is calm as Barcelona have shown top form.
“Watching Barcelona gives me a lot of peace of mind. They have some very talented players up front. But seeing how Barça is playing, I’m honestly calm. If they play as they always do, I have no doubt that Barcelona will win the game.”
He also pointed to Barcelona’s depth as a defining strength this term.
“He’s been with Flick for several seasons now, and it’s the same old approach. He’s keeping those concepts he wants, and they’re gradually improving,” he said.
“From the first year, there was a huge change in this Barcelona team, with new signings and players coming up from the youth academy; they’re building a very competitive squad.
“It’s not just the starting eleven; the entire squad is capable of playing in the starting lineup. You see Barcelona enjoying themselves, and those of us watching enjoy it too,” he added.
On Lamine Yamal, Rodri and the Ballon d’Or
Alba went on to talk about Barcelona’s star player, Lamine Yamal and the comparisons with Lionel Messi.
“It’s normal when you reach that level. After Leo, a guy like Lamine has emerged, and it’s normal that these comparisons are made.
“Leo, for me, he’s the best ever. Lamine, at his age, he’s only 19, and with everything he’s doing and the way he’s playing, he’s obviously one of those footballers you enjoy watching,” he said.
Alba was equally complimentary about summer signing Rodri, who has added a new edge to Barcelona’s midfield.
“It brings calm and composure. Obviously, we’re talking about a Ballon d’Or winner. In his position, he’s the best in the world.
“We could also talk about Pedri and many other Barcelona players who are among the best in their positions and are having great seasons and winning titles, which is what’s important.”
As for who lifts the Ballon d’Or in a wide-open race, Alba offered two names.
“I don’t know. This is the year with the most doubts. If you ask me, I’d say Leo. He’s also having a great season and a fantastic World Cup.
“There’s talk about Mbappe, Lamine… Obviously, I’d go with Lamine because of everything he’s achieving at just 19 years old. He’s one of those players everyone wants to pay to see play,” he added.
On Vinicius’ absence
The suspended Vinicius Jr will be a notable absentee, and Alba, who faced him many times, acknowledged the blow for Madrid.
“He’s an important player for them. He’ll miss the game, and that’s a significant loss. Real Madrid has a very deep squad to replace him, and whoever comes in will surely do very well,” he said.
Alba believes Vinicius’ absence will be a huge blow for Real Madrid. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
“He’s a very dangerous player in one-on-one situations. Very fast. He always created a lot of danger. In that sense, you didn’t want him facing Barcelona too often because he always had great games. He’ll be a significant loss for them,” he added.
He was candid, too, about what the Brazilian’s absence means for Barcelona.
“Obviously. Some people say it’s good for the spectator to see everyone on the field, but I always say that anything less than top-quality players on the opposing team makes it easier to win,” he further said.
On Mourinho and the Clasico tension
With Mourinho back for his second Madrid spell, Alba reflected on his memories of facing the Portuguese.
“I faced him several times at Valencia. Those Clasicos were incredibly intense matches, but that’s true of all Clasicos. Mourinho has that kind of character.
“He’s a coach I admire, both in his playing style and his communication style. I don’t know him personally, but I think he’s a fantastic manager who has made all his teams great.”
He believes the fire that defines the fixture is a feature, not a flaw.
“The tension in Clasicos is always there, and that’s great. It means the game is alive, that it’s a Clasico. There are incredibly talented players, for me the best in the world, both at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“I’ve experienced it in a spectacular way. They’re experienced differently.”
Finally, on the officiating storm hanging over the fixture, Alba kept his distance.
“The truth is, I’m pretty out of the loop on this whole thing in Miami. I wouldn’t know what to tell you.
“There are always opinions, there are always people who see it differently. I respect all opinions. The umpires do their job to the best of their ability. We shouldn’t doubt them,” he concluded.