Why Jordi Alba Will Be as Important to Barcelona as Lionel Messi Next Season

The recent signing of Jordi Alba by FC Barcelona from Valencia CF brought new plans for the coming 2012-13 season. In spite of Spain's early exit at the 2012 Olympic Games, Alba was a key part of the national side's victory at Euro 2012.

While Lionel Messi will remain an important figure in the next season for La Blaugrana, Alba is going to be one as well. We expound upon some of the most important reasons why Alba will be an important figure below. 

Complementing Messi and Alves

According to Stephen Gillett of Goal.com, Alba recently declared that Messi would be of assistance in improving his play. Messi, as a forward, should in turn be complemented by a defender such as Alba.

Alba is, according to ESPN Soccernet, a defender whose pace in attack will help Messi on the left as well as the right flank. Alba could even continue most of his activities on the left flank while Dani Alves assists Messi on the right.

He is a dynamic player on the field. 

Spain´s Victory in Euro 2012

Alba was instrumental in Spain's participation in Euro 2012 earlier this summer. Among his most notable achievements was his goal scored in the final match against Italy on July 1, 2012.

It was arguably the goal that set Spain on course to win Euro 2012 after David Silva opened the scoring. The result was a third consecutive victory for Spain in a major tournament after Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Alba in UEFA Europa League

Alba was one of the participants in the UEFA Europa League match between Valencia CF and AZ Alkmaar. The match took place on April 5, 2012 at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain.

Valencia held Alkmaar to without a goal. Meanwhile, Alba was superb on the left-hand side of the field. He also scored for Valencia on the 56-minute mark.

Alba was able to maneuver and assist striker Roberto Soldado. According to the UEFA Europa League 2011-12 season webpage, Alba managed one goal, one assist, and 522 minutes played in six matches in the tournament. 

Conclusion

While Alba’s performance in the 2012 Olympics was not spectacular, it should not take away from his achievements. It is these achievements that will make him as important as Messi in the 2012-13 season.