The teenager confirmed his class enjoying on the suitable
Rarely do you see a staff line up with three acknowledged left-backs, however FC Barcelona did it once more in a 2-1 win over Osasuna. Jordi Alba was on the left, Marcos Alonso was within the center, and Alex Balde performed on the suitable.
It’s a product of a scarcity of match centerbacks and a scarcity of nice choices at right-back that has seen Xavi lean on his left-backs. Frequently, a staff carries solely two within the squad – by no means thoughts on the pitch on the similar time.
Balde may very well be thought of the staff’s finest left-back, although his veteran teammates might need one thing to say about that. But in the mean time, Balde might be the staff’s finest right-back. Héctor Bellerín and Sergi Roberto can do all proper, however they’re removed from high-quality nowadays.
The way forward for Barcelona is with Balde on the left. Alonso would possibly stick round as a backup; Alba is more likely to retire or transfer on quickly.
It’s rumored that the Catalans see a right-back as a precedence within the switch market. Bellerín and/or Roberto would possibly proceed as backups, however that’s all.
For this season, it’s completely believable that Balde will proceed beginning on the suitable, with Alba or Alonso on the left.
Another chance exists, which is shifting a centerback to the suitable. Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo, when correctly match, can play on the suitable, permitting Balde again onto his favored left.
Balde is left-footed however he has weak foot, letting him carry out on both facet. He has higher attacking instincts than a transformed centerback. He’s actually quicker than Roberto. And his performances are above Bellerín’s.
It’s not for the long-term, however for now, Balde can turn out to be the beginning right-back.