Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
According to SPORT, Alejandro Balde could make his first start of the season for Barcelona when Hansi Flick’s side host Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, with injuries in defence potentially opening the door for the left-back to re-establish his place in the team.
The opportunity comes at a pivotal moment for Balde, whose standing at Barcelona has diminished over recent months.
Having struggled to secure regular minutes, the 23-year-old now has a chance to change the story if he can impress when called upon at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Defensive injuries open the door for Alejandro Balde
Barcelona’s options at full-back have been affected by the absences of Eric García and Xavi Espart, with Espart set to miss seven weeks.
Jules Kounde’s situation also remains a consideration, as the Frenchman continues to be managed carefully.
If Flick is unconvinced that Kounde is ready to start at right-back, one possible solution would be to move Joao Cancelo to the right and select Balde on the opposite flank.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona
Alejandor Balde could start against Alaves. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
The German coach has already used this arrangement, bringing it into play during the Clasico after Espart suffered an injury around the half-hour mark.
That makes Saturday’s team selection particularly significant for Balde, as a defensive reshuffle could provide the opening he needs, although his inclusion in the starting XI is not yet confirmed.
Real Madrid performance offers Balde a platform to build on
Balde’s 60 minutes against Real Madrid provided some encouragement despite Barcelona’s defeat.
He took time to settle into the contest but grew into the game, offering signs that he could make a greater contribution with more regular playing time.
His involvement before the Clasico had been limited to two brief appearances.
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
Balde’s involvement has been extremely limited this season. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
He played 12 minutes in Barcelona’s 7-2 victory over Racing de Santander and featured for 16 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, during a difficult physical spell for the team.
Those cameos offered little opportunity to build consistency; hence a starting role against Alaves would give Balde a much longer period to convince Flick that he deserves a more prominent place in the squad.
Alavés clash could influence Balde’s Barcelona future
The left-back’s situation has changed considerably since he established himself with strong performances for Barcelona.
His position became less secure last season, and speculation about a possible summer departure added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
A strong display against Alaves would not settle every question, but it could help him regain ground in the competition for a regular starting place.