Jordi Alba hails Marc-Andre Ter Stegen after heroics versus Real Sociedad

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has hailed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as the best goalkeeper in the world after he made a number of key saves during the club’s 2-1 league triumph at Real Sociedad. The away game at Sociedad has proved troublesome for Blaugrana over the years and they managed to come from behind to register a fourth straight league win on Saturday.

Aritz Elustondo gave the perfect start for the hosts after netting the opening goal in the 12th minute and Sociedad appeared on course for the victory at the break. However, following the interval, the Blaugrana stepped up the momentum and goals from Luis Suarez and Ousmane between the 63rd and 66th minute ensured that Valverde’s side continued their perfect start to the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Alba admitted that there were both positives and negatives from the performances but reserved special praise for Ter Stegen, who ultimately made the difference on the day, he said: “We went out to attack in the second have and we had pros and cons. Our goalkeeper was perfect and, for me, he is the best in the world.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the club’s objectives, Alba stressed that the club have no priorities for the season and they are prepared to go for the treble of the Spanish La Liga, Champions League and the Copa del Rey which was previously achieved under the tutelage of Luis Enrique, he added: “Our objectives are everything, the Champions League, LaLiga Santander and the cup. We have just started and we are always trying to improve.”

With a fourth-straight league win, Barcelona are comfortably placed at the top of the standings and they are already holding a two-point lead over fierce-rivals Real Madrid, who dropped points after their 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.