Along with winning the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles, another reason to remember the 2022-23 season for FC Barcelona fans was the rise of Alejandro Balde. The Spanish full-back developed into a top-quality player during the last season and contributed significantly to Barcelona’s La Liga triumph.
Balde convinced Xavi to such an extent that the gaffer benched the veteran Jordi Alba for him throughout the season, and Alba was even allowed to leave the club despite having a year on his contract this summer. Thus, there is no doubt that Balde will be the undisputed starter for Barcelona in the left-back position for the coming season.
However, football is a grueling sport, and injuries and fatigue are a natural part of a year-long season. As a result, it is essential that Barcelona get a backup for Balde before starting their next La Liga campaign.
Fortunately, Barcelona would not have to look far for such a backup for Balde. As the journalist Javi Miguel has reported, Xavi likes the Barcelona Atletic left-back, Alex Valle, a lot and is considering him an option for the first team to support Balde on the left flank.
Alex Valle spent the second half of the last season on loan at Andorra FC, with whom he made seven appearances in La Liga 2. Three of these seven appearances were as a starter, and the youngster averaged 43 minutes on the pitch per match.
After having returned to Barcelona this summer, the player was a part of the squad that went to the USA for the pre-season tour. He made his debut with the first team in the team’s last match in the USA against AC Milan but only got five minutes to showcase his talents on the pitch.
Still, nineteen years old, the Valle may have further room for growth. However, being a deputy for Balde would be a good opportunity for the youngster to polish his game, and continue his development without facing too much pressure of performing week in and week out.
