3 - Alejandro Balde

[JamDav1982]

Still only 19.. work in progress. Alba is too old so we are relying on him and his athleticism a lot, normally we shouldn't be in this position. He is inconsistent due to age and had better end product at the beginning of the season, was also shaky today but I have full confidence in his talent

Indeed and a long way to go on the quality/decision making side.

Really need another LB with more steady level to comete with him as Alba and Alonso are too old and he is still learning.

He ws poor on ball last night and game before. In both games he looked nervous and over thinking on the ball.

Has great tools and young but at moment probably someone better to competea at LB than Alba and Alonso.

 

[Jay Jay]

We don't need another LB. Totally unnecessary. Alba and Alonso can play bench roles.

 

[JamDav1982]

Dont agree.

It is a weakness and best LB is a raw 19 year old.

Particularly when play like last night need a LB with energy and quality.

Alba and Alonso dont have that. Balde has the energy but the quality for now is hit or miss.

 

[vuji_31]

What are you talking about, he was decent, almost every game he was great, he needs just to play and play, we don't need new LB, we have found gem for next 10 years.

 

[JamDav1982]

LB to compete and provide depth with Balde while he is still learning.

Depends on if folk think Alonso/Alba are enough for that.

Not for me.

Should be doing all can to punt Alba this summer as on far too much money and legs are not what were Alonso is not a good LB that is declining.

 

[vuji_31]

People are acting like we can bring Davies, reality is Gaya or guy from Celta Vigo.

Balde is much better then both.

Guy is unbeatable one vs one,fast af, can dribble and improving every game.

I agree we should offload Alba,but rat will not go anywhere.

 

[Messi983]

Ideally we'd get a LB who can also cover as left-footed CB (who we currently don't have, Garcia is probably best suited for that role but not good enough to really be anything more than a 4th or even 5th CB choice). So basically a younger and more athletic version of Alonso. Or a CB who can play as LB. Would be also useful if Xavi plans to use 3 atb system more often.

Who that could be I have no idea. We are amongst clubs reportedly interested in Ndicka but I think he'll go somewhere he'll be a guaranteed starter which he wouldn't be here. Also don't know how he'd actually do as LB (never seen him play there AFAIK) or even as a LCB in 4-man defense as he has mostly played in a three CBs system. I also like Hincapie but he'd be another young and relatively inexperienced defender and also don't see us spending big money on a CB next summer having more urgent needs at other positions.

If we'd look only at LB there are some of them in La Liga who could be good to rotate with Balde while not really ruining his development. If we truly believe in him longterm then doesn't make sense to bring another LB in his early twenties to compete with him. Mojica is a player I've liked for some time now. Yes, he's 30 but more athletic than Alba or Alonso and would surely accept a role as a squad player. Other pretty obvious one who was already linked to us is Galan. And then likes of Grimaldo (don't rate him at all), Guereiro and Bensebaini are on expiring contracts as well.

I don't expect anything to happen at LB this summer though. Looks like Alonso wil renew (don't exactly hate it but also not a big fan of this move) and Alba surely won't leave before his contract expires either.

 

[iniestaGOAT]

People are acting like we can bring Davies, reality is Gaya or guy from Celta Vigo.

Balde is much better then both.

Guy is unbeatable one vs one,fast af, can dribble and improving every game.

I agree we should offload Alba,but rat will not go anywhere.

Balde is definitely not better than them.

You don't know ball lil bro stop posting

 

[JamDav1982]

There is absolutely no point in renewing Alonso and then to have three left backs in the squad.

Alonso is not a CB.

To have Balde, Alba and then to renew Alonso makes no sense.

Unless they say to Alba he wont play and should leave. It is then up to him if stays for the money.

Balde as some amazing tools. As athletic and quick as just about any out there.. on the ball in terms of decisions and quality of final ball etc or passing out under pressure he is nowhere near other top full backs currently.

It is a lot to rely to heavily on a 19 year old or likes of Alba/Alonso as alternative.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Alba has one more year left Right? And he will never leave before end of it so I think Balde/Alba will be there for next season. Then we will have better idea how Balde does as well.

 

[JamDav1982]

Alba has one more year left Right? And he will never leave before end of it so I think Balde/Alba will be there for next season. Then we will have better idea how Balde does as well.

If club told him time is up then it would be up to him to choose money or one of his last years as a professional footballer.

They wont though.

 

[Porque]

Alba and Balde until 2024 is fine. Alba is admittedly on a huge wage, but I just don't see a way he leaves while contracted. If we can force him out though, then great.

Just don't renew Alonso. Stepped in, done OK, but he was here precisely because Xavi didn't count on Balde breaking through. Now he has, Alonso is surplus to requirements.

Alemany needs to be firm as Xavi will want to keep him and have the comfort of a big squad without caring for the financials. Just look at his history and words about Roberto, Memphis, Nico, PJANIC and others before they left (or renewed in Roberto case).

 

[Andresito]

Bring home Grimaldo for free. Can't be worse than Alonso.

 

[jamrock]

Alba & Balde is excellent cover at LB, waste to sign anyone else unless Alba leaves, which would be ideal, but unlikely.

No need to cover complete things & go spend money were it's not needed.

RB
DM
LF

Only position that needs strengthening.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Bring home Grimaldo for free. Can't be worse than Alonso.

True. Better option.