Vermaelen could play on the left LaLiga Santander - FC Barcelona Option to replace Jordi Alba

The exit of Lucas Digne to Everton for 20 million euros leaves Jordi Alba without a clear alternative in the first team, though Thomas Vermaelen is worth considering as his back up.

Everything indicates that Alba will continue being indisputable for Ernesto Valverde but at the same time he is a player who needs to rest so that the explosiveness of his game doesn't lead to muscle injuries.

A goal worth three points

Digne covered his back, and now, without the Frenchman, Juan Miranda and Marc Cucurella (in this order) are his natural successors; that is the decision of the sports management.

The American tour helped Valverde approve Miranda, who is only 18 years old, however, he values more experienced alternatives in case Alba needs rest or is injured.

Vermaelen is one who can find a way to participate in this sense.

The Belgian will find it more difficult to play centrally after the arrival of Clement Lenglet and that's why he and the club can benefit if he's an option to replace Alba.

He had minutes there against Boca Juniors on the day of the Gamper Trophy, and the former Arsenal captain is perfectly suited to this position.

In fact, he played there for the north Londoners on a number of occasions.

He will soon be 33 years old and his contract ends in 2019, but he played more matches than ever with Barcelona last season.

If he is lucky with injuries, he is reliable, as proven by the fact that Valverde gave him 20 matches and a total of 1512 minutes last season.