Jordi Alba predicts Barcelona success in El Clasico and explains his Messi Ballon d’Or vote

Jordi Alba expects Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in El Clasico, saying Hansi Flick’s side has given him confidence with its performances this season.

The former Barcelona defender said the Catalan club’s progress under Flick, combined with its strength in depth, had made him optimistic before the meeting with their biggest rivals.

“El Clasico is different from any other match, and it does not matter how the two teams are playing,” Alba told Spanish newspaper AS. “I am sure Barcelona are performing excellently, and I have complete confidence that they will continue in that way and win the match. I will be happy if Barcelona win.”

Alba was speaking during an event in Puertomingalvo, in the province of Teruel, where he hosted 10 supporters alongside former Real Madrid player Guti.

He said Barcelona had enjoyed an excellent season so far and hoped they would maintain their positive results by taking three points against Real Madrid.

The former Spain international also praised Flick for preserving his footballing ideas while improving them gradually. He said new signings and players promoted from the academy had helped create a competitive squad with plenty of options.

“It is not only about the starting XI; every player is capable of starting,” Alba said. “You can see that Barcelona are enjoying their football, and we as viewers enjoy it too.”

Alba chooses Messi over Yamal comparison

Alba acknowledged that comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi were inevitable, given the teenager’s exceptional performances at such a young age.

“After Leo, a player like Lamine has emerged, so it is natural for these comparisons to be made,” he said. “But for me, Leo is the best of all time.”

He added: “At his age, with everything he is doing and the way he plays, he is undoubtedly one of the footballers you enjoy watching.”

Asked who should win the Ballon d’Or, Alba said the contest appeared open and difficult to predict this year. He nevertheless selected Messi, citing the Argentine’s outstanding season and his performances at the World Cup, while also expressing his admiration for what Yamal is producing early in his career.

Vinicius absence a major loss

Alba said Barcelona’s attacking quality had increased his confidence before the game, while acknowledging that Real Madrid remain capable of coping with the absence of Vinicius Junior.

The Brazil forward is an important player for Real Madrid, Alba said, and his absence represents a significant loss despite the strength of the club’s squad.

“He is extremely dangerous in one-on-one situations, very quick, and he was always a major threat,” Alba said of Vinicius. “That is why you did not want to face Barcelona against him often, because he always produced excellent performances.”

Asked whether Vinicius’ absence improved Barcelona’s chances, Alba replied: “Some people say it is good for the spectator to see all the players on the pitch, but I always say that having fewer high-quality players in the opposing team makes it easier to win.”

Alba also praised Jose Mourinho’s personality and coaching style, despite saying he did not know him personally. He said he had faced Mourinho several times in Valencia, describing those El Clasico matches as highly intense.

“I admire him, both for his style of play and the way he communicates,” Alba said. “I think he is a great manager who made all his teams great.”

On refereeing controversy surrounding El Clasico, Alba said he did not follow all the details concerning events in Miami.

“There are always opinions, and there are always people who see things differently,” he said. “I respect all opinions. Referees do their job as well as possible, and we should not question them.”

Asked which player he would take to a training camp before El Clasico, Alba initially chose Sergio Busquets before selecting Gavi when asked to name a current player.