Jordi Alba replaces Messi in MLS Team of the Week

Inter Miami made an investment in last year's summer transfer window that is starting to pay off. With Leo Messi as the leading light, David Beckham swooped for several of his former Barcelona teammates and managed to sign Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. In the most recent game that Tata Martino's side played, the Argentinian had to be rested after the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League.

The full-back took care of his goalkeeping duties with a stunning strike from the edge of the box that earned him a place in the MLS Team of the Week. The '10' had been part of the first all-star line-up of the campaign and, with the full-back's turn, the 'Herons' bid to win the North American trophy this year has been strengthened, as they have evolved from relying on the former PSG man as the group's main asset to having several key players.

In the squad that rewards the most outstanding players in the last matchday, there are well-known names in Europe such as Hugo Lloris, Riqui Puig and Lorenzo Insigne. In contrast to the stars who have signed for Saudi Arabian projects, the other side of the pond has managed to get several of the Old Continent's leading players to opt for its revamped competition for these stages of their careers.

Jordi Alba, with his superb goal, reinforces his attacking profile, which has always been more focused on assists. In his Barcelona career, he has never sent more balls into the back of the net than he has helped his team-mates to send. Now, in the United States, his quality may help him go to the flag more than ever to celebrate with a strike that will probably prompt his coach to invite him up to test opposing goalkeepers.

 

March 4, 2024