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The left-back has been a sensation ever since he arrived at Camp Nou. His pace, skill and the ability to be an occasional winger has earned him some of the most important accolades in football, including a UEFA Champions League title. Alba was one of the most important signings of the decade, as he has revolutionized the left-back position like none other.
A replacement for the former Barcelona left-back Eric Abidal, Alba's has been a success for the Blaugrana despite being labeled as 'too short' or 'too weak'. However, the rumours have caught our attention, as Barcelona are denying any direct contract talks between them and Alba's agent, as this could prove that the 5'7 left-back will have to find another club. Simultaneously, the Spaniard could probably be heading to Old Trafford, as the rumors suggest.
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In addition, rumour also suggests that Tottenham Hotspur has shown interests in the Barcelona ace.
Also Read: Jordi Alba to Manchester United?
In our opinion, the 5 replacements for the Spanish left-back come without a surprise, as Alba's position will be extremely demanding. There needs to be no denying that these players will have to give it all once they step foot in Camp Nou.
#5 Alex Grimaldo - SL Benfica
The 23-year-old has been on the radar of Jose Mourinho and is often considered as one of the best young left-backs in the world. His pace, agility and game-reading trait is something that Valverde can use at Barcelona. Grimaldo, being a product of the Barcelona youth academy surely has an idea as to how things work at Camp Nou.
With a move in the month of January, he can surely carry forward the legacy left behind by Alba and can be an extremely suitable long-term replacement for the Spaniard.
#4 Jose Luis Gaya - Valencia
The 23-year-old has been a phenomenon with the Valencia side and is a product of the Valencia youth academy. Just like the Barcelona star, Gaya has been an asset for Valencia. A quick, agile and intelligent playmaker from the flank, Gaya's abilities extend far beyond those of other young left-backs.
Hisplaymaking abilities and extremely accurate crosses have earned him a lot of attention from some of the top football clubs in the world, and that includes Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
As mentioned, a move to Camp Nou won't be an easy one for the Spaniard, but his will to play for a club like Barcelona can get him a place in their squad. The 23-year-old's charisma is what Barcelona would truly require for replacing Alba, and Gaya surely has it. After all, Valencia is known for delivering some of the best world-class prospects in football.
#3 Mark Cucurella - Eibar (On loan from Barcelona)
Ever since his arrival at La Masia, Cucurella has been one of the most important full-backs for the youth team. A technically gifted left-back and a crossing specialist at the very same time, the 20-year-old could be the most prominent replacement for Jordi Alba.
Right from his crosses to his usage of the width of the pitch, the young Spaniard is often considered as one of the future stars in the world of football and can be the picture perfect replacement for Jordi Alba. Having a similar stature to that of Alba, he won't be any different from the Spaniard.
A product of the Barcelona youth system, the 20-year-old currently plays for Eibar on loan but can be called back to fill in for their current left-back, as he will know the tricks of how to deliver quality football at Camp Nou.
#2 Ferland Mendy - Lyon
The 23-year-old is easily one of the most important defenders for the French giants, as his pace, athleticism and playmaking abilities have made him one of the best young left-backs in the world, and is a prospect that is chased by most of the top clubs in Europe.
Known widely for his reading of the game and for delivering some of the hardest tackles, the French footballer with African roots has been a sensation right from his days in Le Havre.
Ever since his arrival at Lyon, Sandro has made sure that his team wins every single game by delivering the most unbelievable work-rate that the football world has ever seen.
The left-back has been reportedly linked with a move to Camp Nou, and can be a perfect replacement for Jordi Alba, given his pace and having a similar stature to that of the Spaniard
#1 Lucas Hernandez - Atletico Madrid
2018 FIFA World Cup was one of the most important players for the French squad. Didier Deschamps described him as a 'multitasker' due to his ability to play both as a left-back and as a central-defender. Hernandez does everything that a modern-day left-back does, pace, control and the fitness. He also holds the ability to build-up the play for his central-midfielders, switching into a midfield position.
The Atletico Madrid star has been on Ernesto Valverde's radar for a very long time, as he can be a possible replacement for Jordi Alba. His performances in the World Cup and in last season's Europa League have earned him a lot of attention from other accomplished clubs, but a move to the Camp Nou would be the wisest for the 22-year-old, as his style of play corresponds to that of Barcelona.
