Alba said via Mundo Deportivo: "He debuted with us with Barcelona and I think he was 15 years old. He already looked like a different player, but the physical change he has made these last two years has made him a differential player. What he is doing is incredible. He is among the candidates to win the Ballon d'Or. [He must] Keep going, improving, learning, and listening to people who understand this. I hope he does great. It's amazing to watch him play."