Spain U21 manager praises Barcelona wonderkid: “Huge potential”

Alejandro Balde is enjoying an impressive start to the 2022/23 season. The 18-year-old is enjoying his breakthrough at Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez, while he is also impressing for the Spanish Under-21 national team.

The teenage left-back came through the youth ranks at La Masia and made his first-team debut last year under Ronald Koeman. However, it is in the ongoing campaign that he has gained major prominence.

So much so that Balde is currently Barça’s first-choice left-back ahead of proven and experienced individuals like Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso.

Having been rewarded for his form with a call-up to the Spanish Under-21 national team, Balde has made an impression at the international level too.

The 18-year-old had a solid game at left-back when the Spain U-21 side faced Norway on Tuesday. And following the match, manager Luis de la Fuente hailed Balde and claimed the youngster had unlimited potential.

“Balde is a young kid with huge potential. He still has a lot to improve. What level can he reach? It depends on what he wants. If he’s professional, works hard, understands playing time,” the Spain Under-21 manager said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Balde has so far featured five times for Barcelona in La Liga this season and has registered three assists in the process. There are a lot of expectations on the teenage prodigy, who is likely to be handed a new contract to ensure that his long-term future is tied down to the club.