Former Valencia boss Unai Emery is in no doubt that Jordi Alba will be a success at Barcelona following his €14m summer move.
Emery left Los Che in May to take over at Spartak Moscow after four years at Mestalla, during which time he saw Alba emerge as one of the best left-backs in European football.
However, he revealed that the 23-year-old, who began his career in the youth ranks at Barcelona, did not initially fancy playing in the position.
“At first the lad didn’t want to be a left-back and it was only later that he agreed to play there,” Emery told Mundo Deportivo.
“He is a very fit footballer who gets up and down the pitch besides being quick with the ability to surprise.
“That was shown in the European Championship final against Italy when he scored a goal that was the result of work we did several times at Valencia.”
Alba has previously stated that he ‘owes everything to Emery’, but the 40-year-old former Almeria Coach refused to take all the credit.
“I thank him for those words and I enjoyed his goal in the final, which was a source of personal satisfaction for me, but let nobody forget the Valencia scouts who signed him from Cornella [the club Alba joined after being released by Barca].”
Emery believes there is no obstacle to his former protege being a success at the Camp Nou.
“He is a capable player who is hungry for success and above all he is humble.
“Jordi can be whatever he wants to be,” he added.
