Inter Miami kicked off their run in the 2024 MLS play-offs with a 2-1 win against Atlanta United, with Jordi Alba the surprise match-winner.
The veteran defender scored the winning goal for the Herons on the hour-mark as Inter Miami find themselves just one win away from progressing to the next round of the MLS play-offs, with the Florida franchise the early favorites.
Whilst Lionel Messi has dominated MLS MVP chat, the likes of Alba have been just as important for Inter Miami, with the former FC Barcelona superstar enjoying a fantastic season with the Herons as the starting left-back.
And manager Tata Martino has said Alba has a quality that few defenders possess.
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Inter Miami’s Alba praised as ‘decisive’ defender who can change the game
Speaking to the press after Friday’s win, Martino lauded Alba as one of the best fullbacks in the modern-era of soccer, with the Inter Miami manager hailing the defender as someone who can change the game from the back by going forward.
With Inter Miami looking sensational in recent weeks, Alba’s form will be key for the Herons if they’re to make a deep run in the play-offs, and Martino is seemingly more than impressed with what he’s seen from the veteran defender.
Martino said when asked about Alba’s ability to change the game from defense: “It’s not easy to find fullbacks who are so decisive, who contribute so much to the offensive game of the team – Dani Alves, Cafu, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, they’re all at that level.
“Technically, he has a quality that is very rare in a wide defender, and is better when he understands where Luis and Leo are and can find them, and how they can find him, if they can find Jordi. For sure, it is difficult to find a player who plays in his position and is as decisive.”
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How good as Alba actually been this year for the Herons?
Soccer has evolved to such a state where fullbacks are now as influential as ever, and Alba is showing at Inter Miami just how important he can be for the Florida franchise this year.
| Jordi Alba’s 2024 Inter Miami stats | Games played | Goals | Assists |
| MLS | 28 | 3 | 10 |
| Leagues Cup | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| MLS play-offs | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 36 | 5 | 15 |
As per the defender’s stats, Alba has been a machine for Inter Miami from the fullback position, with the defender already at 20 goal contributions in all competitions for Martino’s side.
And with Alba the match-winner against Atlanta, the defender’s influence is only going to improve as Inter Miami’s play-off run grows deeper, with the fullback set for a huge end to the 2024 season.