5 things to expect from Dani Alves’ return to Barcelona

#3 Dani Alves can guide Sergino Dest

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga Santander

In 2020, Barcelona signed Sergino Dest from Ajax to consolidate the right-back position, which has been a constant worry for the club ever since Dani Alves’ departure in 2016. Although the American had a promising season in 2020-21 for Barcelona, it’s quite clear that he has a lot of potential but needs to achieve consistency and stability.

It is no secret that Xavi’s arrival is expected to be a boon for the young midfielders in the Barcelona team. Similarly, Dest and even Oscar Mingueza, who has been deployed as a make-shift right-back, will learn a lot from Dani Alves.

During his introductory press conference, Dani Alves stated:

“I’m going to try and help him (Dest) as much as I can.

“I think he is a great player. He’s got everything to be one of the greats in football. We’re going to try and make him understand how things are done here and to help him adapt to the team and the style of play.”

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#2 Solidifying the right flank of Barcelona

Gold Medal Match: Men's Football - Olympics: Day 15

There have been several questions surrounding Dani Alves’ age and his ability. While it’s true that he’s not in the prime of his career, it’s also true that he’s still playing football at a very high level and will add a lot to Barcelona.

Dani Alves recorded 10 goals and 15 assists on his return to Brazil in the two years he played with Sao Paulo. The fact that he has been a free agent for the past few months has more to do with contractual complications and unpaid fees, instead of actual problems regarding football.

The Brazilian appeared in over 50 matches for his club in 2020 and he played all 600 minutes in the Selecao’s recent Olympic campaign in Tokyo. He has been absent from Tite’s plans recently due to his lack of action and may well be reinstated back to the senior team following a successful adventure in Barcelona.

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#1 Bringing joy back to the fans

FC Barcelona Unveil New Signing Dani Alves

The most important aspect surrounding Dani Alves’ return to the club is the joy he brings and transmits to everyone around him, and especially to the fans. The 38-year-old is among a rare group of popular footballers who bring a sense of gravity in dealing with important matters while still retaining a child-like enthusiasm.

The return to Barcelona meant a lot to Dani Alves and it showed in his presentation where he was buoyant with happiness and emotion. After witnessing 10,000 people attend his presentation from the Camp Nou stands, he proclaimed:

“Everything I do is with the aim of bringing enjoyment to the fans. I am a fan too and I never want to let them down."

Fans can expect the unexpected with the greatest full-back in their history romping up and down the flanks once again. There is never a dull moment with Dani Alves in the side. Considering the tough few years that Barcelona have gone through, they could use all the joy that comes their way and get behind the team with more enthusiasm.