Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has hailed Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal as the best in the world.

“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.

Since returning from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, the five-time Champions League winner has been a mainstay at the back for Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Xavi has warned Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti that his Barcelona team are closer to winning the league this season.

“This year we’re closer [to winning the league], I think so,” Xavi said as reported by El Chiringuito, to his Real Madrid counterpart Carlo Ancelotti.