Jordi Alba, defender with most assists

With another assist against Valencia, Jordi Alba has taken his tally for the league season up to six. Aubameyang was the latest recipient of a goal pass from the full back, who has already given as many as he did all last season, and tops the league for assists from defenders, and that’s despite missing six games.

Fine form

Alba has been involved in goals in his last three league outings. There was his spectacular volley against Atlético Madrid, his beauty of a cross to Pedri against Espanyol and his latest work of art at Mestalla.

The only defender who gets anywhere his total of six league assists is Mojica of Elche, also a left back, and who has supplied four.

One every three games

Alba has played 18 league games this term, so he’s averaging exactly one assist every three games. In fact, there are only three players in any position who have a better rate, one of whom is Dembélé (three assists in eight games).

Alba could be on course for his most assist-heavy season ever. His record is eight, in both the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Could 2021/21 be his best season ever?