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Jordi Alba has expressed deep gratitude to Unai Emery for altering the trajectory of his football career, crediting the current Aston Villa manager for converting him from a winger to a left-back during their time together at Valencia. The former Barcelona and Spain defender admitted he was initially reluctant to make the change but later realised it was pivotal in helping him reach the pinnacle of professional football.

Alba reflects on how the position change defined his journey

Alba explained that Emery was instrumental in his development when he shifted him from an attacking role to a defensive one between 2009 and 2012. Having started out as a winger, Alba found himself playing deeper after Emery recognised qualities that suited the left-back position. Though the transition was met with resistance at first, it became the foundation for his rise to prominence in European football.

Alba pays tribute to Emery’s lasting influence

The ex-Barcelona star believes Emery’s decision was the cornerstone of his later success, both at club and international level. Speaking on the El Camino de Mario podcast, Alba recalled: “I was 20 years old and [David] Villa was a hero at Valencia. Emery told me, ‘Come train with the first team.’

“I had other offers from clubs in the first and second divisions, but Emery kept insisting. I joined preseason, did well, but then spent some time without playing. In a Europa League match against Werder Bremen, we were down to ten players. I was warming up at halftime, and the fitness coach Pako Ayestaran told me, ‘You’re going in,’ and I said, ‘Great,’ then he added, ‘At full-back.’ It was a shock—I didn’t know what to expect because it was a completely new role for me.

“At first, I didn’t take it well; young players make mistakes. What I didn’t realise was that Emery was doing me a huge favour for my entire career. Without that positional change, I wouldn’t have achieved what I did. I started playing, faced a lot of criticism, but Emery kept believing in me. I’ll always be thankful to him. I remember during training sessions before that, when I was being tested in the new position, I didn’t want to play as a full-back and wasn’t happy about it. Thanks to Emery, I’ve had the career I’ve had. He’s undoubtedly one of the best coaches in the world.”

A move that brought trophies and glory

Emery’s tactical decision transformed Alba into one of Europe’s elite full-backs. The Spaniard secured a transfer to Barcelona in 2012, where he spent 11 successful seasons and made over 450 appearances. During that time, he won six La Liga titles and became known for his dynamic attacking partnership with Barcelona’s forward line. The roots of that success traced back to Emery’s vision at Valencia.

Emery continues to leave his mark at Aston Villa

Although Alba has now retired, Emery remains focused on guiding Aston Villa’s continued growth. The Spanish tactician has long been recognised for his ability to develop players and elevate team performances throughout his managerial career. He further cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top managers by leading the Villans to Europa League glory last season, securing his fifth European trophy across three different clubs.