Barcelona homegrown talent knocks on Spain NT doors after recent impressive displays

Alejandro Balde enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence at FC Barcelona, displacing Jordi Alba as the first-choice left-back under Xavi Hernandez in his breakthrough season.

Soon enough, the La Masia prodigy found himself on the flight to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, making his Spain debut on the biggest stage possible.

A new long-term contract followed for the 21-year-old in 2023 but with a lack of competition, his performances started to dip slightly. That was followed by a serious injury in early 2024 which kept him out for more than six months.

As a result, Balde missed the UEFA Euro 2024 where Spain triumphed, with Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo, both former La Masia trainees, establishing themselves as the preferred left-backs for Luis de la Fuente.

Balde knocking on Spain NT doors again

Upon returning from injury this season, Balde has been the undisputed first-choice starter at left-back for Barcelona under Hansi Flick.

However, it has not translated into a return to the Spanish national team for the young defender, with his form still being somewhat suspect, especially in the defensive side of things.

But, now, following his string of recent performances, Mundo Deportivo highlights that Balde is once again knocking on De la Fuente’s doors and is closing in on a return to the La Roja camp.

Balde was absolutely brilliant for Barça in their two matches in the Spanish Super Cup. The left-back put in a fine performance in the semi-final against Athletic Club with his assist for Gavi’s goal being a standout moment.

On Sunday, the La Masia talent took a step further and scored a brilliant goal in the final against Real Madrid. The Barcelona homegrown player had also excelled in the first Clasico of the season with a stunning assist for Robert Lewandowski.

With his form on the up, things are looking bright for Balde and a return to the Spanish national team camp might not be far away.