Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Barcelona - 5 Talking Points, LaLiga 2018/19

#1 Jordi Alba has become.....better?

Alba is just a beast on that left wing

Jordi Alba has always been a consistent performer for Barcelona, but he seems to have reached another level recently. Following Neymar's departure and Valverde's tactics, Alba has essentially had the whole left wing to himself.

With power comes responsibility, and he has handled that ably. The Spaniard constantly makes runs in behind the opposition defence, and Suarez's opener against Rayo came as a result of that.

Furthermore, his pace and tenacity make him a great defender, someone who no winger would like to go up against. The all-around displays have seen him become a vital part of this Barcelona side. Only Rakitic and Busquets had more touches than him against Rayo. Alba has essentially become a left winger-back for Barca, and it is a sight to see him cantering up and down like a Duracell bunny.