Ferrer: Alba will offer Barca balance

Barcelona legend Albert Ferrer believes new signing Jordi Alba will offer the team an additional edge over their opponents.

After impressing for Valencia in La Liga and in Spain's triumphant Euro 2012 campaign, Alba completed his transfer to Barcelona a few days ago, making a return to the club of his youth.

An accomplished full-back during his playing days, Ferrer told Marca that he was impressed with Alba's abilities and expects the Spaniard to strengthen the team's options down the left.

"He is an extremely well-rounded defender, and is quick and very smart, he gives the team balance, since he will open things up on the left flank," Ferrer stated.

"Until now Barcelona attacked much more on the right with Daniel Alves, because neither [Eric] Abidal nor Adriano had the same threat going forward."

The Catalan side, considered by many to be the best team in the world, have undoubtedly been strengthened by Alba's signing, but Ferrer pointed out that playing both the former Valencia player and Alves will likely pose a whole new set of problems.

"They will probably struggle with crosses from free-kicks and corners, because their only tall players will be the two centre-backs and Sergio Busquets, but that is this Barca's style of play."

"The team spends most of its time on the attack and needs fast players who offer penetration. Having said that, if the full-backs push forward a lot, the rest will have to make sure they cover for them."