Jordi Alba backs Barcelona in El Clasico and makes surprise Ballon d’Or choice

Jordi Alba is confident Barcelona can beat Real Madrid in El Clasico, saying the team’s progress under Hansi Flick has given him faith ahead of the fixture.

The former Barcelona defender was speaking to Spanish newspaper AS during an event in Puertomingalvo, Teruel, where he hosted 10 supporters alongside former Real Madrid player Guti. Alba discussed the upcoming match, Barcelona’s development and the leading players on both sides.

“El Clasico is different from any other match, regardless of how the two teams are playing,” Alba said. “I am sure Barcelona are performing excellently and I have complete confidence that they will continue doing so and win the game. I will be happy if Barcelona win.”

Alba said Barcelona had enjoyed an excellent season so far and hoped they could maintain their positive results by taking three points against Real Madrid.

He also praised the work being done by Flick, saying the German had retained his footballing ideas while gradually improving them. Alba added that new signings and players promoted from the youth academy had helped create a competitive squad with several options.

“It is not only about the starting XI; every player is capable of starting,” he said. “You can see Barcelona enjoying their performances, and as spectators we enjoy that too.”

Alba compares Yamal with Messi

Alba said comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi were inevitable when a young player began producing exceptional performances, although he still regarded the Argentina international as the greatest of all time.

“After Leo, a player like Lamine has emerged, so it is natural for these comparisons to be made,” Alba said. “But for me, Leo is the best ever.”

He added: “At his age, with everything he is producing and the way he plays, he is undoubtedly one of the footballers you enjoy watching.”

Asked to name his choice for the Ballon d’Or, Alba said the contest appeared open and difficult to predict this year. He nevertheless selected Messi because of his outstanding season and his performances at the World Cup, while again expressing his admiration for what Yamal is achieving at this early stage of his career.

Vinicius absence a major loss

Alba said Barcelona’s attacking talent had increased his confidence before the match and described Vinicius Junior as an important player for Real Madrid. He believes the Brazilian’s absence is a major loss, although Real Madrid have a strong squad capable of compensating for it.

“He is extremely dangerous in one-on-one situations, very quick, and he was always a major threat,” Alba said of Vinicius. “That is why Barcelona did not want to face him too often, because he always produced outstanding performances.”

On whether the absence improved Barcelona’s chances, Alba added: “Some people say it is better for the viewer to see all the players on the pitch, but I always say that having fewer high-quality players in the opposing team makes winning easier.”

Alba also praised Jose Mourinho’s personality and coaching style, despite saying he did not know him personally. “I faced him several times in Valencia,” he said. “Mourinho has that personality. He is a coach I admire, both for his style of play and the way he communicates. I think he is a great manager who made all his teams great.”

On the refereeing debate surrounding El Clasico, Alba said: “There are always opinions, and there are always people who see things differently. I respect all opinions. Referees are doing their job to the best of their ability and we should not question them.”

Asked which player he would take to a pre-El Clasico training camp, Alba initially named Sergio Busquets before choosing Gavi when asked to select a current player.