Barcelona’s young left-back Alejandro Balde has been in excellent form this season, making a significant impact on the team.
However, despite his strong performances, he believes there is still room for improvement in certain areas of his game.
One aspect he is particularly focused on is his ability to score goals, as he feels that adding more goals to his game would make him an even more complete player.
“I could score more goals. I’m a player who goes up high, and that’s a goal I have, to score more goals.
“It’s good to provide assists; this year I’ve got eight or nine, but I could score a few more,” the left-back told RAC1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
A youthful squad
Aside from his personal ambitions, Balde also spoke about the youthful nature of the current Barcelona squad. He pointed out that many of the team’s key players are still very young, with several of them only 17, 18, or 19 years old.
“We’re very young. People don’t realize what we 17, 18, or 19-year-old players are doing. People are a bit spoiled and think that what Lamine is doing is normal. That’s not normal.”
In particular, he highlighted that while Lamine Yamal has been breaking records, it is important to remember that his success at such an early stage of his career is far from normal.
He noted that Yamal “shouldn’t compare himself” to Lionel Messi.
Champions League journey
When discussing the Champions League, Balde made it clear that Barcelona approach every match with confidence and do not let fear dictate their performances.
He believes that their progress in the tournament so far is a testament to the team’s quality, and they remain fully committed to competing for the title.
The young defender is optimistic about their chances and is determined to keep fighting until the very end.
“We are never afraid. If we have come this far it is because we have a good chance. We are alive in all competitions and we have to keep fighting. Surely we can make a beautiful Champions League.”
A UCL Clasico
Balde also expressed his enthusiasm for a potential Champions League final against Real Madrid, stating that it would be an exciting and historic clash.
“It would be a very good final; it’s never happened before in history.”
While Barcelona have had some strong results against their rivals in recent years, he recognises that other top European clubs, such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, are also strong contenders for the trophy.
“Lately we have had many results in our favour, we have beaten Real Madrid very well,” he noted.
Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty
In addition, Balde commented on the controversial moment involving Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty in Real Madrid’s shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.
He admitted that Alvarez was unfortunate, as he slipped and unintentionally struck the ball with both feet. However, he acknowledged that the rules are clear in such situations, and the decision was made according to the regulations.
“He was very unlucky; he slipped and hit his other foot. These are the rules. If you touch the ball with both feet, it’s no good, and that’s how it was,” he explained.
