'He has been the revelation of Euro 2012' - Cruyff hails Barcelona's Jordi Alba signing

28 Jun 2012 19:33:00

The Dutch legend hailed the full-back for his "amazing campaign" at the Euros, while questioning Cristiano Ronaldo for not taking the first penalty against La Roja

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has hailed the Catalans' signing of Valencia left-back Jordi Alba.

The Blaugrana announced earlier on Thursday that they have reached an agreement worth €14 million for the 23-year-old, ending weeks of speculation about the defender's future at Mestalla.

Cruyff has no doubt that Barca have made a great deal and praised Alba's performances at Euro 2012, where he has been a key figure for Vicente del Bosque.

"He has been the revelation of the Euros," Cruyff is quoted as saying by Sport. "The kid is having an amazing campaign."

The 65-year-old then hailed the form of the Spain national team, who defeated Portugal on Wednesday to reach the Euro 2012 final, while questioning the Seleccao's decision to line up Cristiano Ronaldo as the fifth penalty taker in the shoot-out, which ended 4-2 in La Roja's favour and prevented the Real Madrid star from taking his spot-kick.

"Spain are playing at a very high level, I hope they will continue like this," Cruyff added. "Their style is the most important thing to last, even more than the victories.

"Ronaldo? The best penalty taker always has to go first."