Inter Miami manager Tata Martino has given his verdict on why Jordi Alba is still so good, with the Argentine making a comparison that will make Lionel Messi proud.
The 35-year-old defender has been an ever-present for the Herons this year since moving from FC Barcelona in 2023, with Kieran Gibbs praising Alba for transforming the Inter Miami backline.
With four goals and six assists in all competitions, Alba is proving to be one of Inter Miami’s most productive players, with the defender in with a shout of the MLS Defender of the Year award for his efforts.
And Martino has highlighted why Alba is still so good despite his age.
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Alba compared to playing like a no. 10 for Inter Miami in defense
Speaking to the press, Martino highlighted that Alba plays like a creative no. 10 despite being a left-back for Inter Miami, a comparison that Messi would love given that the Argentine is arguably the greatest to ever play in such a role.
Whilst the Inter Miami captain is now a winger and has been for some years, Messi’s impact on the no. 10 role changed the very nature of top-flight soccer, and Alba being likened to such a player by Martino should be viewed as praise.
Martino said on Alba’s quality: “He is a player with different skillset to others, someone who allows us to have different styles of players in the team. We can have a winger like Robert [Taylor] who played today or we can have a midfielder like Diego [Gomez].
“The reality is that with Jordi it’s like playing with a no. 10 at left back. The ball comes out clean, he knows when to send it long, when to play it close. He gets assists and must be one of the best passers in the league. That’s a big advantage.”
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Alba has unlocked a new side to his game with the Herons
With Alba’s previous best goalscoring league season coming up to just three goals with Barcelona, Inter Miami are unlocking a new side to the fullback’s game that few would have expected.
Given that the legendary Spanish defender has been known throughout his career as an assist-machine from left-back, Alba adding goals to his game whilst also maintaining a healthy stream of goal creations is a welcome addition to the 35-year-old’s game.
And heading into the final third of the season, Inter Miami will hope to see more from Alba in their quest to win Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, with a treble on the cards for the Herons.
