Jordi Alba is an integral part of the Barcelona Football club. He is the starting left back for the team when healthy and he also is a member of Spain’s 2014 World Cup team. However, he is also a very ambitious and competitive footballer who must be guided properly and is an example of the competitive mental challenge that many a manager can face when dealing with a talented player.
Jordi Alba has been out injured
Jordi Alba is only now returning to the Barcelona lineup after injuring his hamstring several weeks prior in a game against Sevilla which the team won 3 goals to 2. Jordi had never suffered an injury and desperate to return to the pitch to play as soon as possible he did not give his injury sufficient time to heal and he suffered an additional setback with a thigh injury.
Alba is considered one of the best defenders in the world who has gained acclaim because of his ability to join the offensive attack from his position and still be able to take care of his defensive responsibilities. Yet his competitiveness which is part of what has helped him become such a valued player and the insecurity that comes with fearing that another player might take his starting position permanently away, actually hurt his rehabilitation process because he pushed his leg to hard and suffered setbacks that prolonged his absence from the team.
Jordi Alba is on the comeback trail
Jordi Alba is an example of why top flight football clubs must at times be vigilant in forcing their players, particularly the younger stars such as a Jordi Alba, to let their injuries heal completely before they are allowed to return to football training. An elite footballer such as Jordi Alba is in most cases a very competitive individual who loves to play their sport and in most cases wants to come back from injuries sooner than they should. However, this desire to compete before they are ready could sometimes hurt a player’s ability to return to the pitch in the shape necessary to perform at their previous level. When a player does return to the pitch and plays at lower level than before it lessens their confidence and for a professional athlete confidence is very important to them being successful. The Barcelona Football Club should be applauded for the patience it displayed in only bringing Jordi Alba back to the pitch when they thought he was ready and not before. This is one of the many reasons why teams such as Barcelona are so successful and players such as Jordi Alba enjoy playing for them.
Jordi Alba at his best
