Brilliant Alex Balde solving a major transfer headache for Barcelona
Robin Bairner
- 17 Sept 2022 20:06 BST
- 3 min read
Alex Balde is the latest in the Barcelona production line of budding young superstars from La Masia.
Gavi might have been the breakthrough talent of 2020/21, but it is the young left-back who is filling that role this season, producing a breathtaking level of football for a player who will only turn 19 on 18 October.
His emergence, meanwhile, comes at a perfect moment for Barcelona, who may have eased their financial difficulties in the summer, but did so at the cost of long-term assets. With Jordi Alba now 33 and entering the final years of his career, it is a position that the club would have been forced to recruit for potential as early as next summer.
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Alex Balde shines against Elche
Balde, though, is showing himself to be increasingly capable as a long-term replacement for the World Cup winner.
This was highlighted perfectly in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Elche as the teenager chalked up a couple of assists as the Catalans ran out easy victors over La Liga’s bottom club.
Robert Lewandowski might have caught the headlines thanks to another double, but it was the full-back’s pair of assists that were vital in setting Barcelona up for an easy win.
He showed a knack for timing his run forward perfectly on the first, exploiting the space down the flank to latch onto a Pedri pass and play the most inviting of crosses for Lewandowski to slide home.
Lewandowski goal, Balde assists, keeping Jordi Alba 🐀 on the bench. pic.twitter.com/wYw8zCWZdx
— speedwagon (@husovo) September 17, 2022
The second assist was a different type of goal, although it came from the same area. This time he was already in an advanced position. Instead of choosing to sling in a hopeful cross, he was patient and picked a good option with a pass to Memphis at the front post. The Netherlands star still had much to do, but finished well.
What a goal by Memphis , Balde 2nd Assist. pic.twitter.com/FJX9hbPetI
— speedwagon (@husovo) September 17, 2022
His overall performance, too, was impressive. He finished with an astonishing 98% passing accuracy, and though this was not a game in which he was expected to do much defending, he finished with three duels won and five recoveries.
He is under contract until 2024, but a new deal is on the horizon, particularly after such a thrilling display.
Not only is Jordi Alba set for the bench for the foreseeable future, Barcelona have also found his long-term replacement in Alex Balde without spending a cent on a transfer fee.
