Jordi Alba’s reduced game-time in the new season has come as a surprise to many, considering that he had the faith of manager Xavi Hernandez all throughout the last season.
The 33-year-old also started the first match of the new season against Rayo Vallecano even though youngster Alejandro Balde had impressed in pre-season. The decision, while leaving some club members surprised, showed the trust that Xavi had placed in Alba.
However, the scene has changed drastically since the opening day, with the veteran full-back dropping out of the starting XI to make way for Balde in the three subsequent matches.
Indeed, the La Masia graduate has been preferred over the experienced club captain by Xavi in difficult away trips against Real Sociedad and Sevilla, while the teenager also started against Real Valladolid at home in between those two clashes.
Meanwhile, Alba played 18 minutes against Sociedad and 27 minutes versus Sevilla while remaining an unused substitute in the clash against Valladolid.
And, according to Ricard Torquemada on LaTdT, the reason behind Xavi’s decision to bench Alba is completely based on sporting matters.
The Barcelona manager is said to have been left unimpressed by the Spanish international’s performance against Rayo Vallecano on the opening day of the season, with his lack of tracking back defensively cited as a major concern.
It is said that Xavi did not speak to Alba over the matter but has decided to use Balde ahead of him ever since.
Now with Marcos Alonso joining the club, Alba could fall further down the pecking order. Torquemada claims that Xavi likes the ex-Chelsea ace due to his power, physicality and aerial ability. It could potentially see him overtake Alba in the order of preference at Spotify Camp Nou.
With Alba’s place no longer a guarantee, he was linked with a shock deadline day exit to Inter Milan. However, he turned down the move and stayed at Barcelona to fight for his place. Whether he can win the manager’s trust again remains to be seen.