Jordi Alba has been one of the most important players for Barcelona in the Ernesto Valverde era. The departure of Neymar left a void on Barcelona’s left flank and Alba has done a good job filling it.

The Spaniard’s connection with Lionel Messi has often been the fulcrum of Barcelona’s threat this season and yet he’s performed his attacking duties without compromising defensive contribution.

Alba has just turned 30, though, and given his age plus the obvious importance of the position, it is time for the Catalan giants to consider long-term replacements, or at least suitable support.

In games where Alba was not featured, Nelson Semedo, Sergi Roberto or Thomas Vermaelen have played out of position to accommodate his absence. Juan Miranda – who was promoted from the B team – has rarely been used by Valverde and that situation is unlikely to change.

With all this in mind, we take a look at some of the players who can fill in for the left-back when needed and eventually take the mantle when Alba is gone.

DREAM OPTION 

Ferland Mendy, Lyon, 23

Ferland Mendy

Key stats (Ligue 1)

Appearances: 23

Goals: 2

Assists: 1

Tackles per 90 minutes: 1.3

Interceptions per 90 minutes: 1.1

Key-passes per 90 minutes: 1.5

If rumours are to be believed, Barcelona have already shown interest in Lyon left-back Ferland Mendy. ‘The Kylian Mbappe of left-backs’ has impressed this season and has made a serious case as to why he should be the most sought-after left-sided defender in the world after Atletico Madrid’s soon-to-be Bayern Munich talent Lucas Hernandez.

He even impressed in the first leg of the last-16 of the Champions League against his potential future employees.

A diamond in the rough, Mendy still needs to work on getting his act together in the final third. But his skill on the ball and solidity in defence justifies why a massive club like Barcelona are after him. In terms of his style of play, he is quite similar to Alba and the Catalan giants could reap rewards of investing in the defender.

The presence of Frenchmen like Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet further pushes for this transfer to materialise. Mendy won’t take long to blend in with the squad and it’s fair to say that the judgement of Barcelona’s technical secretary Eric Abidal – a Frenchman himself – can be trusted.

Transfer compatibility: 7/10

Transfer likelihood: 6/10

BEST FIT 

Alex Grimaldo, Benfica, 23

Key stats (Primeira Liga)

Appearances: 26

Goals: 4

Assists: 6

Tackles per 90 minutes: 1.7

Interceptions per 90 minutes: 1.7

Key-passes per 90 minutes: 1.2

The one that got away? La Masia graduate Alejandro (Alex) Grimaldo is enjoying a stellar season with Benfica. He was sold to the Portuguese club from Barcelona for just £2million. Eyebrows were raised when this happened, for he was one of the most talented players to graduate from La Masia at that time.

Fast, intelligent and tactically competent – Grimaldo could be boasting of everything that Barcelona look for in a full-back. The 23-year-old makes intelligent runs on the flanks and displays great movements in the final third.

Grimaldo often likes to drift centrally to link play, something Alba has not offered for Barcelona. His ability to think the Barcelona way, which he has picked up during his time at La Masia, makes him a perfect fit for the team.

The Spaniard’s potency on the dead ball also makes a valid point in his favour. After all, the Spanish giants will need a left foot that can score through direct free-kicks once Messi bids adieu.

Barcelona are usually conservative about buying back academy graduates who left them in search of playing time but they might have to make an exception for Grimaldo.

Transfer compatibility: 8/10

Transfer likelihood: 5/10

SAFE OPTION  

Marc Cucurella, Barcelona/Eibar, 20

Marc Cucurella

Key stats (League)

Appearances: 27

Goals: 0

Assists: 2

Tackles per 90 minutes: 1.2

Interceptions per 90 minutes: 0.6

Key-passes per 90 minutes: 0.9

Should Barcelona fail to acquire any of the above mentioned players, they need to make sure that Cucurella is a Barcelona player in the summer.

The former Barcelona B player is currently on loan at Eibar, who have the option to convert it into a permanent deal. The Catalan giants need to buy him back immediately even if they might have to spend higher than his sale value.

Cucurella has improved under Jose Mendilibar and thanks to first team experience, he could be a better option than Miranda. The 20-year-old has played as a winger and a left-back at Eibar and his versatility could come handy for Barcelona.

Clearly, Cucurella is not of the same level as Mendy or Grimaldo. But he could still offer a lot and prove to be the best option for Valverde in Alba’s absence.

This should be the worst case scenario, but then again it’s not so bad either. Cucurella does have the potential to make it big at Barcelona.

Transfer compatibility: 6/10

Transfer likelihood: 6/10