Dani Alves stars on his return in a Barcelona shirt

Tom Grant
  • Updated: 15 Dec 2021 11:11 GMT
  • 3 min read
Why does Dani Alves wear No.8 for Barcelona?
© ProShots

Dani Alves made a scintillating return in a Barcelona shirt on Tuesday and had fans of the Blaugrana dreaming he can still add something to their beleaguered squad.

The 38-year-old Brazillian last played for the Catalan club in a 2016 2-0 Copa del Rey final win over Sevilla.

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That took his Spanish Cup tally to four with Barcelona to add to his six La Liga wins and three Champions League winners medals.

During his eight years at the Camp Nou, he became one of the best right-backs in the world but then left Spain for Juventus in 2016 after an acrimonious departure from the club.

Alves return to Barcelona

But, last month, Alves made a sensational return to his former club after new head coach Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman.

Unable to play until January due to signing out with the transfer window, Xavi used a glamour friendly against Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia to hand Alves his return and a chance to gain some much-needed match fitness.

And the veteran didn't let his former teammate down, showcasing his familiar hyperactive style and being the best Barca player on the pitch.

Alves impresses against Boca Juniors

Most of the Spanish side's best moments came from Alves, and he continued to defy his 38 years, penetrating down the right flank and being a constant nuisance to the Boca left side.

Dani Alves lifts the Champions League trophy for Barcelona in 2015/16
© ProShots

He took the captain's armband for the second half and was the man to take - and score - the first Barca penalty after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Boca would eventually triumph on penalties, but it was clear that the star attraction of the evening was Dani Alves.

Could Alves actually start in La Liga?

With an impressive 90 minutes under his belt, the man who has won 46 trophies in his career could be a starter for Xavi come January.

He will look to improve the fortunes of a club already out of the Champions League and out of the La Liga title race, sitting a massive 18 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Sergino Dest is Barca's other current option at right-back.

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