Jordi Alba's Fine Run of Form Sends Message to Spain Manager Luis Enrique
Jordi Alba was keen to send a message to Spain manager Luis Enrique following another sensational performance for Barcelona in the Clasico on the weekend.
Barcelona dominated their rivals Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday at the Camp Nou. Jordi Alba, like he has been for the best part of the last decade, was key to their success. Not only did he nullify the threat of Gareth Bale on the defensive end but he was instrumental in Barcelona's first two goals.
In the 11th minute the 29-year-old made a deep overlapping run beyond Real fullback Dani Carvajal. His fellow Spaniard was unable to catch him allowing Alba to cut the ball back to the penalty spot where it met an on-coming Philippe Coutinho who passed the ball in to the corner. The second goal was a carbon copy of the first only this time Alba found Luis Suarez at the near post before he was taken down by Raphael Varane, leading to a penalty which Suarez converted.
Despite his form Alba is still yet to be selected by Luis Enrique for La Roja. Alba, as quoted by Marca, told the press following the game: "I'm in a great moment and playing with great confidence because of my teammates, coach and fans.
"I'm at a very good point of my career both on a personal and sporting level."
It now seems impossible for him to be omitted from the Spain squad again. At the moment Luis Enrique has favored Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso and Valencia fullback Jose Gaya ahead of Alba.
Jordi Alba has scored twice this season and racked up five assists in all competitions. When compared to Gaya's one goal and zero assists, it surely can not be too long before he is back in contention for the Spanish national side.
Fellow Barcelona and Spain teammate Gerard Pique joined in with calls for Alba's return. He said: "I hope Luis Enrique rectifies the situation and calls him again."
Spain will next play on November 15 when they face World Cup finalists Croatia in the Nations League.
