5 Barcelona players who have improved under Ernesto Valverde this season

#2 Jordi Alba

Arguably the best left back in Europe, Alba has rediscovered his mojo under Valverde

Last season was a brutal one for the graduate of La Masia. Often derided as a fast but brainless fullback who only knew how to run fast, Alba’s confidence was shot under former manager as he and fellow left-back Lucas Digne did little to convince onlookers that they were the real deal.

The Spanish international made 26 league appearances in a season blighted by injuries and loss of form and only got one goal which was a poor return for such an attack-minded player. The presence of Neymar on the left flank didn’t help Alba as the Brazilian’s drifting meant that he had to often cover both the attacking and defensive duties on the left flank.

Following the arrival of new manager Valverde, the former Athletic Bilbao manager tweaked the formation to ensure that the team had better balance instead of being as top heavy as it was in Enrique’s last season.

With the new switch to playing with at least 3 central midfielders, Alba has been like a man reborn as he can gallop forward and add bodies to the attack secure in the knowledge that one central midfielder will cover his runs.

The solidity of left-footed centre-backs Umtiti and Vermaelen have meant that the Spanish international left-back has a willing/capable partner whenever opponents attack in numbers down the left flank.

Now fully fit, Alba has become a major contributor to the Barca cause once again with his stats rivaling Europe’s best full-backs and he will be key in Barca’s run-in as well as for La Furia Roja at Russia 2018.