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#3 Jordi Alba vs Marcelo
The all-improved Jordi Alba has developed himself as a world-class full-back under Ernesto Valverde. Ridiculed by Barcelona fans last season, the Spaniard has arguably been benefitted by Neymar's big money departure. Alba now efficiently uses the space down the left to make dangerous overlapping runs into the opposition box.
On the other hand, one of the greatest full-backs to ever play the game, the Brazilian Marcelo has suffered a dip in form lately. While Jordi Alba and Messi's connection is a chief source of Barcelona's offence, the Brazilian's contribution to attack has been rather limited in the new season.
The Brazilian would be required to up his game and deliver those perfect crosses into the Barcelona box if Madrid desires to breach the stubborn and massively improved Barcelona defence.
However, Marcelo has the ability to spark the flanks into life at any moment and will be an ever-present danger for the reinforced Barcelona defence. Real Madrid, too, would have to be careful regarding Alba's contributions to the attack and that deadly partnership he has developed with talismanic forward Leo Messi.
La Liga 2017 stats comparision:
Passing accuracy: Alba (88.4%) - Marcelo (84.9%)
Goals: Alba (1) - Marcelo (1)
Assists: Alba (5) - Marcelo (1)
