Supporters of Spanish giants Barcelona have taken to social media in their numbers on Saturday night, to sing the praises of an up-and-coming member of the club’s first-team squad.
Xavi Hernandez’s troops, of course, were back in action a short time ago.
In a game dominated by the headlines surrounding Gerard Pique’s Camp Nou farewell, Barca played host to Almeria, in the knowledge that a victory would see them leapfrog Clasico rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga summit.
And, when all was said and done, this is precisely what the evening’s visitors went on to do.
This came as goals on the part of Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong gave rise to a 2-0 final scoreline.
The composure from Dembele on this goal 💫 pic.twitter.com/0qoB9Dh9ds
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 5, 2022
On the back of the action coming to a close in Catalunya, however, it was not the name of the departing Pique, nor the evening’s goalscorers, which in fact took its place upon the lips of many a Barcelona fan.
The player in question? Alejandro Balde.
19-year-old Balde, a graduate of the famed La Masia academy, was afforded his latest start by Xavi against Almeria..
On this occasion, though, the Spanish youth international was not utilised in his natural position at left-back.
Instead, Balde’s talents were made use of on the opposite flank, to allow for Jordi Alba to take his place on the left of the hosts’ backline.
Despite his tender years and relative inexperience at the top level, though, the highly-regarded young defender did not look at all out of place.
Instead, the impressive nature of Balde’s showing has since given rise to widespread claims that the Spaniard may now represent not only Barcelona’s best option at left-back, but right-back, too:
Alejandro Balde is FC Barcelona’s best left-back & right-back.
What a player. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/GjcFuzbKqf
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) November 5, 2022
Balde is not only our best left-back, he’s also our best right-back…
— Neal 🇦🇺 (@NealGardner_) November 5, 2022
Alejandro Balde. Our best right back and left back at the same time✨🔥 pic.twitter.com/0M5bOJqLtP
— Sane_19 (@ONI___11) November 5, 2022
Balde is actually our best left AMD right back atm.
— Wvleed kessie MFR (@wvleed_wayaV2) November 5, 2022
Balde is out best Left back.
Balde is our best Right Back. 🔥⚡️
WONDERKID ⚡️— Bisswas Culer (@culerboi) November 5, 2022
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