Jordi Alba has been one of Inter Miami’s most underrated players since joining the Herons in 2023 alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
The former Spain international has enjoyed a successful time in America with the Herons with Alba named in MLS’s Team of the Year for 2024 alongside Messi, with former manager Tata Martino lauding the defender for his ‘rare’ abilities as a fullback.
With Alba heading into the 2025 season better than ever for Inter Miami, the veteran left-back will be keen to do all he can to push the Florida franchise to success under Javier Mascherano, who this season will be aiming for MLS Cup glory as well as a strong run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
As one of the ‘Fab Four’ at Inter Miami, Alba has had quite a career having captained FC Barcelona and won international honors with Spain, yet when asked which player he found the hardest to face, the Inter Miami defender had an interesting name in mind.
READ MORE: Inside the life of Jordi Alba, the former Barcelona man who is taking the MLS by storm
Alba names Angel Di Maria as his most difficult opponent
Speaking to Offsider, the 35-year-old named rumored Inter Miami target Angel Di Maria as his ‘worst’ opponent yet, with Alba nothing that the Argentine legend was dangerous in both the attack and in the defense.
Alba said: “I think Di Maria was the worst. Di Maria was spectacular at Madrid, very good, but not only when it came to attacking, but also defending, he didn’t stop. He is a year older than me and he still runs. He is a player I have always liked a lot.”
WIth Di Maria recently lauding Inter Miami captain Messi, there is seemingly a good chance that the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders could land the Benfica attacker if the forward decides to leave the Portuguese giants this year.
And with Inter Miami keen on adding another superstar attacker to their ranks ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Di Maria ticks a lot of boxes for what Mascherano is looking for in a world-class signing, but can the Herons afford to bring in the former Argentine international?
Can Inter Miami afford to sign Di Maria this January?
Inter Miami sold Leonardo Campana to the New England Revolution earlier this month, freeing up a Designated Player spot and potentially opening the door for the Chase Stadium side to bring in a huge name this January.
However, as Inter Miami have experienced with Neymar, signing a superstar isn’t as easy as having a Designated Player spot open and a dream to bring in a huge name, with more obstacles needing to be cleared if a player like Di Maria is to be brought in.
And with the Argentine veteran unlikely to leave Benfica this month, Inter Miami could have to wait until the summer to land Di Maria, a deal that could be easier to pull off given the nature of transfers that are this big to pull off.