Finding a ready made replacement for Abidal in our system will always be a tough tough job.
Yes our new left back must have certain, obvious qualities. But the most important quality the new guy must have is the intelligence to learn something new, because Barca's system is so different compared to other system. Now I'm not saying Alba is the most intelligent LB around (that depends on how the scouting team evaluate him), but the reason I'd pick him are:
1) He was originally from La Masia, although that was fairly a long time ago;
2) Still, he's been brought up in La Liga, so he's probably more attuned to our slower, indirect gameplay;
3) He's being integrated into Spanish NT right now, playing alongside Barca players, so he might already have the idea to play in Barca's style;
4) Well, again, he may come cheap
So, question is what if Valencia demand 25ME later on? I say I will still buy him, provided that Tito thinks a new CB isn't necessary.
At least looking for a new LB is actually much easier job than looking for a CB. We still have options for LBs, for CBs on the other hand....I honestly can't think of any so called world class CBs available.
