Jordi Alba admits Spain teammate Isco “is one of the best in world, even if I don’t like seeing him at that level” for Real Madrid.
Isco has grown into one of the world’s best midfielders over the past year after helping Madrid rule Spain and Europe, and Alba confessed the 25-year-old’s impressive form left him in two minds.
“At no time did I say that I played better without Neymar. It’s quite the opposite,” the Barcelona defender said at a Press conference for Spain’s game against Costa Rica on Saturday.
“We won many trophies together and he’s a great friend of mine. I enjoy having the left flank to myself much more now, but I never wanted to belittle Neymar. I’d be stupid if I did.
“I feel very good and mentally perfect. Now at Barca, we have to push up more out wide.
“Every player goes through delicate moments. Now I find myself in a very good way and I want to keep going like this.
“Isco? He’s always played the same way, but now he’s at an incredible level. He’s one of the best in the world.
“I don’t mind admitting it, even if he’s an eternal rival of mine and I don’t like seeing him at that level for his club. I know him from my time at Valencia.
“Four years on from our World Cup exit? The introduction of several new faces and the new coaching team have injected new life into us.
“Different things are being done, with all due respect to Vicente del Bosque, who gave me life. There’s a lot of talent in this group and we hope to do well.
“We weren’t up to scratch in Brazil, but now we have a national team worthy of winning the World Cup.”
