Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba has named Argentina football icon Ángel Di María as the toughest player he has ever played against. The former Barcelona left-back, who has had an illustrious career in Europe, described Di María’s tenacity, work ethic, and all-around ability as qualities that made him particularly challenging on the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with Offsider, Alba, who is a year younger than Di María, expressed his admiration for the Argentine’s incredible longevity and skill. “I think Di María was the worst. He was spectacular at Madrid, very good, but not only when it came to attacking, but also defending. He didn’t stop,” Alba said. “He is a year older than me and he still runs. He is a player I have always liked a lot.”
Di María’s consistency and contribution on both ends of the field have been central to his reputation as one of the best players of his generation. Known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and ability to create chances, Di María was just as reliable defensively. His tireless work rate was a standout feature during his time at Real Madrid, where he often tracked back to help his team recover possession, a quality that made him a nightmare for defenders like Jordi Alba.
Alba and Di María faced off a total of 10 times during their careers, all in La Liga. Despite the fierce competition between their teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, Alba managed to secure just two wins in those encounters. Both of his victories came during his time at Barcelona, but Di María’s relentless performance in each of those games clearly left an impression. “Every time we played against him, he was always a big challenge,” Alba admitted.
The two players’ battles in La Liga were nothing short of intense, with the Spanish and Argentine teams involved in numerous high-stakes El Clásico fixtures. While Alba’s Barcelona had the upper hand on occasion, it was Di María’s constant pressure and ability to change the game that made him such a formidable opponent.
Interestingly, the two players have never faced each other at the international level, meaning their head-to-head encounters were strictly in club football. Nevertheless, Alba’s respect for Di María’s ability and work ethic on the field is clear. He highlighted Di María’s defensive contributions as just as notable as his attacking prowess. His tireless running and commitment to the team’s success are traits that set Di María apart from many others in his position.
This recognition from Jordi Alba underscores the impact Di María has had throughout his career. The Argentine winger, who has played for top clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, is widely regarded as one of the best wide players of his generation. His ability to adapt to different leagues, teams, and challenges speaks volumes about his talent and versatility.
In addition to his individual abilities, Di María’s team-first mentality and leadership on the field have earned him the respect of his peers. His success at both club and international levels, where he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América victory and their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, is a testament to his class and dedication.
Alba’s comments reflect the widespread admiration for Di María among fellow professionals, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures in modern football. His legacy, built on a combination of skill, work rate, and consistency, continues to inspire a new generation of footballers.