If Dani Carvajal’s latest display during the Madrid Derby is anything to go by, he remains one of the standout right-backs in world football to this day.
While the Spanish international was in top touch towards the backend of the last term, some Madridistas have even gone as far as to say that the club legend may have rediscovered his form during his prime.
Jordi Alba, who plies his trade for arch-rivals Barcelona has certainly taken notice of his fellow countryman’s performances and reserved special praise for him.
"He has been at a high level for many years, he is very competitive. He is the best at his position in recent years. Too bad to have him in the rival. We are very good friends," he said, as quoted by SPORT.
While Alba is arguably the Blaugrana’s greatest ever left-back, his admiration for Carvajal just shows how much respect the Los Blancos youth product commands within the game.
Despite injuries playing a major part in halting the 30-year-old’s career, he has returned time and again and proved his mettle at the elite level.
Considering the Barça icon has competed in high-profile clashes and won silverware against Dani Carvajal, he has a true understanding of the comprehensive skillset possessed by his rival.
Since returning from a loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, the five-time Champions League winner has been a mainstay at the back for the side from the Spanish capital.
It is also key to remember that the likes of alternatives such as now-PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Alvaro Odriozola could never usurp him to stake a claim in the team.
Alba has put his rivalry with Real Madrid aside to appreciate the greatness of the one and only Carvajal, as the two gear up to represent Spain at the UEFA Nations League over the next couple of weeks.