The Barcelona squad showed impressive form in Luis Enrique’s first two games in charge, setting a strong tone for the new era.
When Spain announced its starting XI for the final group stage match against Japan, one notable decision stood out: Jordi Alba was not in the headlines, despite the team’s solid performances against Costa Rica and Germany. The question on many fans’ lips was why this particular option was chosen over Alba for the Japan clash.
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Why isn’t Jordi Alba playing Japan vs. Spain team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
There was no physical issue weighing on Alba. He was not nursing an injury, nor did he seem uncomfortable. The coach opted to give minutes to another Barcelona talent, Alejandro Bald, who had impressed in training and earned a spot in the match squad due to his recent performances. Balancing squad rotation with rest, Luis Enrique also likely had in mind preserving Alba for the more decisive stages of the tournament, including the knockout rounds.
Bucket’s growth
Balde has long been recognized as a standout in Barcelona’s youth system. His journey began when he left Espanyol in 2012 to join Barcelona, a move that paved the way for a rapid ascent through the ranks. Born to a Guinean father and a Dominican Republic mother, he faced and overcame a range of challenges, excelling across every youth category and making 16 appearances for Barcelona B last season. This season he has continued to progress, earning trust from the first team and thriving under Xavi’s guidance.
“He combines power with technical flair. In teams that aim to attack from the wings and control possession, he naturally provides width and creates space for teammates. He has the pace and the boldness to seize opportunities when a lane opens up, and he can contribute to the buildup as well as the final ball,” said a former youth coach, Franc Artiga, highlighting his capacity to adapt to different tactical demands.
Throughout the discussion about the squad, Balde’s rise is framed as part of a broader strategy by Spain to blend experienced veterans with emergent talents, ensuring depth and flexibility for a tournament run. The decision to rest Alba, a seasoned full-back, was presented as a tactical precaution rather than a signal of decline. The philosophy was to protect key players while continuing to test young contributors in high-stakes matches, a hallmark of teams aiming for sustained success on the world stage.
In the context of the World Cup journey, Balde’s profile rose quickly from promising youth prospect to credible first-team option. His physical profile—combination of strength, speed, and technical ability—made him a natural candidate to stretch play and provide dynamic width. This adaptation aligns with modern Spain sides that value possession, patient buildup, and the ability to switch the point of attack with efficiency. As the tournament progressed, Balde’s integration into the squad was watched with interest by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how he could contribute to Spain’s wider tactical framework.
In analyzing how the coach manages the squad, it is clear that rotation between players with similar profiles helps maintain intensity while keeping the core of the team fresh for the decisive rounds. Alba, at 33, remains a trusted option with vast experience, while Balde represents the future and a potential source of unpredictability for opponents. The balance between continuity and regeneration is a familiar theme in national-team planning, especially in a tournament setting where every match matters.