FC Barcelona continued their dominance over Real Madrid in pre-season El Clasicos as they beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side 2-1 in New Jersey. Despite having a young squad made up mostly of academy graduates, the Catalan club dominated for the majority of the game.
Although a number of La Masia graduates shone for Barcelona on the biggest stage, none did more than Alex Valle on the night. Tasked with starting at right-back, the Spaniard had a rollicking performance.
Predominantly a left-back, Valle did not look out of place, whether it was going forward or even when defending Vinicius Jr. in the second half. The 20-year-old was involved in both of Barcelona’s goals on the night.
He provided a sumptuous cross early into the box which Lewandowski squared for Pau Victor just before the half-time whistle. The highlight of the game though was his assist for the second goal with a sumptuous outside-the-boot cross that was bundled home.
We covered a story last week that Barcelona were keen on resolving the 20-year-old’s future this week. His current deal with the club ends in 2025 but Barcelona can automatically renew his contract by August 1, which would increase his salary to more than €1m per year and release clause to €30m.
However, should either party choose not to do so, Valle’s release clause would drop from €8m to €3m. With no resolution reached on his future yet, the Spaniard was quizzed about his future after the Clasico. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what he had to say:
“I am enjoying the tour without thinking too much. The truth is that I don’t think that depends on me.”
With his words, Valle has made it clear that the ball lies in Barca’s court. The club should pay heed and tie the 20-year-old down to a new deal. He looks like a special talent for the present and the future.
The spot for Alejandro Balde’s backup is still very much open. Gerard Martin is making a case for himself in pre-season after his impressive performance against City. However, Valle’s performance against Real Madrid was at a different level.
Only time will tell if Barcelona decide to hand Valle a new contract. Cules would love to see him in a Blaugrana shirt for years to come and hopefully, he can build on his Clasico performance in the coming games.
