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#5 Jordi Alba showing his old form
With Neymar in the side, Jordi Alba could not always play his natural game of overlapping on the left and creating chances. With the Brazilian seldom backtracking, Alba had to manage his defensive duties along with that of the now PSG talisman. But with him gone, the left-back now has the license to bomb forward and most importantly, play his natural game.
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Barcelona played in a confusing formation against Espanyol with Luis Suarez being employed in a left wing/striker's position and Messi in a free roaming role. This gave Alba the license to operate more freely which prompted him to provide two assists to Lionel Messi.
He also created a couple of chances for Luis Suarez but the Uruguayan had a shocking day in front of the goal despite getting on the score sheet. One of the positives from Neymar's departure can be said as the re-emergence of Alba's previous attacking influence.
