Barcelona Fast Rising Star Gets Late Call-Up To Spain World Cup Squad

Alejandro Balde, FC Barcelona fast rising star, has been called up by Luis Enrique to the Spain World Cup team to fill in for the injured Jose Gaya.

During a training session in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday night, the Valencia defender sprained his ankle. Initial reports indicated that it was not a serious wound. The Valencia captain’s worst-case scenario, though, came true, as he is now officially out of the World Cup. The Barcelona native Balde will take his place.

The left-back, who is 19 years old, is in good shape and trained with the Under-21 team under the direction of Luis de la Fuenta. Xavi Hernandez was obliged to start him over veteran defender Jordi Alba because of his outstanding performances for the Catalan club. In 16 games this season across all leagues, he has already accrued more than 1,100 minutes, and he also has three assists in La Liga.

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The La Masia grad will be in Qatar with his colleagues Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Busquets, Pedri, and Alba.

Alejandro Balde, born in Barcelona to Guinean and Dominican parents, joined Barça in 2011 at the age of eight after coming up through ranks at Espanyol. He is of the 2003 generation, but has always played a year above. He has won the league at U10 A, B and C, U12 A and C, U 14 A and B, A16 A and B levels, and although he would normally now be in the Barça B squad, he is instead playing for First Team.