Jordi Alba feels he is better off without Neymar

Spain international Jordi Alba has said that he is enjoying himself at Barcelona following Neymar’s decision to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The Brazil international made a shock choice to join the French giants in August after triggered the £198m release clause in his contract.

Initial suggestions were Barcelona would struggle in the absence of their key attack, but they have come out in flying colours in this season’s La Liga with Alba being one of their influential players. Alba is currently joint top of the assist charts with four alongside skipper Lionel Messi, and he appears to be enjoying life under new coach Ernesto Valverde.

He said, “He is a great player who, due to his circumstances or feelings or thoughts, decided to leave. In the end, there are still many more guys who can do a good job and I am delighted with the people there. As I said before, I have more space to run into and honest, for me, it’s much better. I have regained confidence. With more space on the left, I am very comfortable and that is demonstrated in the field. I’m enjoying it in a way I haven’t for a long time.”

Aside from Alba’s offensive stats, he has also been impressive in the defensive point of view with just four goals conceded in the league campaign. Barcelona’s strong record is, however, could be tested following the international with the likes of Valencia and Villarreal playing them after which they take on Real Madrid in the El Clasico.

Barcelona are currently on 31 points after 11 games into the season, and they hold a comfortable eight-point advantage over the reigning champions, who have struggled in both sides of the field. Cristiano Ronaldo has had little luck in front of goal this campaign, finding the net just once since the start of the season.