Jordi Alba’s return to the Mestalla, where he made his league debut and between 2009 and 2012 established himself as a leading full back in the game, was one of the highlights of Sunday night’s match. His performance was more confirmation, if needed, of the great moment of form he is enjoying of late.
Tireless down the wing
Alba certainly didn’t seem to show any signs of tiredness from Wednesday’s game in Madrid, as he bombed up and down the left wing, overlapping Iniesta constantly and putting in three great crosses, as well as pinning back Valencia’s Joao Pereira and keeping their right sided midfielder Bernat busy as a covering defender.
Jordi Alba received more fouls (3) than he committed (2) – another indication of his importance as an attacking element in the team – and 69 of his 82 attempted passes were successful.
Solid at the back
The Barça number 18 also showed his tactical awareness in defence, covering well as Valencia attempted to counter attack and recovering possession 10 times – a figure only bettered by Piqué (14) and Busquets (12).
Alba was also the player who made most clearances during the match - 24, six of which were headers.
