FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2010 13:49

A lethal right wing

Sandra Sarmiento

Messi is taking full advantage of Alves’s fabulous form. Five of the Argentine striker’s 24 goals this season have been provided by the Brazilian fullback.

According to manager Pep Guardiola and the rest of his Barça team-mates: "Alves is contagious". There’s no doubt that the return after injury of the Brazilian has boosted the team at a vital stage of the season. He brings a lot to this Barça team - 3 goals, 9 assists and 36 shots are spectaculars figures for a fullback. And when he combines with Messi, together they are unstoppable. Messi looks more dangerous with Alves on the pitch.

Vital in Abu Dhabi

On 19th December, Barça beat Estudiantes de La Plata to the World Club Cup thanks to goals from Pedro and Messi, in the 110th minute of the match. However, none of this would have been possible without a fantastic final pass from Alves.

Depor and Malaga, 6 points

Messi marks objectives for himself in every match. In the Riazor, before flying off to Paris to receive the Golden Ball, Messi put on another fine display. He scored the opening goal and then the winning goal in the second half – his first goals in the Riazor. And of course Alves played a big part in the first goal. Last Saturday, Alves made a huge contribution to Messi’s goal, which came after a long ball from Xavi to Alves and then the final pass to Messi.

Atletico Madrid and Sevilla

Against Atletico Madrid, Messi celebrated his contract extension with two goals. Then Alves got in the act with a goal of his own from a free kick and then the final pass to make it 5-2. And against Sevilla, Messi scored another brace and Alves made another goal assist.