"Very special player", "Clear of Camavinga" - Fans hail Barcelona star for 'masterclass' in 4-2 win over Espanyol

Barcelona fans hailed left-back Alejandro Balde for his display against Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Sunday, May 14. The Blaugrana won the La Liga 2022-23 title, their first league triumph since 2019, courtesy of their 4-2 win at the RCDE Stadium.

Robert Lewandowski gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute of the match after receiving a pin-point cross from Alejandro Balde. The left-back then doubled his side's advantage with his strike in the 20th minute.

Lewandowski added a third in the 40th minute before centre-back Jules Kounde found the back of the net eight minutes into the second half. While Javi Puado and Joselu managed to pull two goals back for the hosts, they turned out to be mere consolations.

Fans were incredibly impressed with Balde's performance against Espanyol. The left-back scored one goal, provided one assist, made one interception and completed 34 passes during the match.

Balde has been an important player for Xavi's side this season, replacing veteran left-back Jordi Alba and providing a threat down the left flank with his runs. Gavi has been deployed on the left wing by Barcelona this season. As the midfielder likes to drift inside, Balde usually advances up the pitch and provides the width on that side.

One fan claimed that Balde is better than Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who has been operating as a makeshift left-back in recent weeks. They wrote:

"Balde is clear of Camavinga and I’m not even joking."

Another fan claimed:

"Balde is a very special player icl, someone who should actually be hyped, unlike you know who..."

Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter as Alejandro Balde starred in Barcelona's win against Espanyol:

Balde masterclass
Pedri assist
Raphinha assist
Lewandowski Pichichi
Espanyol getting relegated

All these in the first half of the game https://t.co/kdQ62NKS5l

Alejandro Balde, ladies and gentlemen! 💫

WHAT A PLAYER!!! 🔥👏 https://t.co/73pST0SP9q

Balde is clear of Camavinga and I’m not even joking 😭💪🏽 https://t.co/B3dWN1WO8F

A goal and Assist
Remember the name Alejandro Balde
Next Golden Boy !!!!! https://t.co/cxbU9NbKGS

ALEJANDRO BALDE, MY GOLDEN BOY twitter.com/golsmartdm/sta…

No one deserves the Golden boy more than Balde https://t.co/BiWFPaaS2U

Balde is a very special player icl, someone who should actually be hyped, unlike you know who... https://t.co/rJUc1eoVLJ

"There are many" - Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde about the best moment of his young career

Despite being only 19, Alejandro Balde is already on course to becoming one of the best in the world in his position. The Spanish left-back has moved ahead of the likes of Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso in Barcelona's pecking order.

Balde was recently asked about the best moment of his career so far. He claimed that the day he made his debut and winning his first trophy are among the most memorable events for him. Balde said (via Barca Universal):

“The best moment in my career? There are many. My debut, my first title, playing in the World Cup… Even my first day at La Masia in 2011.”

Balde is a product of Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy and has been with the club since 2011. He made his debut in a Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich in September 2021. Balde also has five appearances for the Spanish national team after making his debut in November 2022.