Balde alternative gives Luis Enrique food for thought

The national coach, Luis Enrique, is just two days away from announcing who will be chosen to defend the Spanish national team at the World Cup in Qatar. With less than two weeks to go, there could be many surprises.

The Asturian coach is used to dropping the odd bombshell in his call-ups and has already shown that he does not settle for anyone. Faced with this situation, Alejandro Balde is an alternative at left-back.

The young defender has burst onto the Barcelona first team and has become Xavi Hernandez's first choice ahead of the veteran Jordi Alba and summer signing Marcos Alonso.

That is why 'Sport' assured that the Spanish coach is seriously considering rewarding him in the best possible way by taking him to the World Cup. Normally, the coach would go for Jordi Alba and Gaya, but the option is on the table.

His power and strength going forward make him a threat on the left flank, something that Luis Enrique likes a lot. Currently, Balde is ahead of anyone else at his club and the board has as a top priority to renew his contract, which expires in 2024.