An ode to Dani Alves’ mind-blowing connection with Messi at Barcelona

It was a mutual understanding like no other.

To call it telepathic would be cliched and, in truth, a disservice to two exceptionally intelligent footballers.

Dani Alves and Lionel Messi were simply on the same wavelength, in tune with the flow of each other’s game, aware of each movement, of the space around them, of the future path of the ball.

There was rarely a wayward pass or premature run. To watch them combine was to watch a choreographed dance, a fluid movement of bodies, the ball little more than a prop.

Never has football looked so simple yet so elegant.

In short, these two were good, and they were especially good together, a devastating duo that almost crept up on opponents more occupied with other threats.

It was Andres Iniesta, or Xavi, or Pedro who they expected to provide the final ball into Messi’s feet.

But Alves, drifting inside from his position at right-back, was equally incisive, and more often than not he was the man in Messi’s vicinity.

The result was some of the most aesthetically-pleasing goals of the Argentine’s time at Barcelona, and some uniquely brilliant assists from Alves.

Perhaps the best of many came against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou in 2010, at a time when Barcelona were arguably at the peak of their powers under Pep Guardiola.

Alves, under clear instruction in that match to drift inside and effectively act as another midfield option, was also playing the best football of his career, relentlessly energetic on the right flank and technically impeccable.

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READ: 8 crazy stats & records from Dani Alves’ incredible first stint at Barca

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The move started with the Brazilian hugging the touchline and picking out Xavi with a pass. He returned the ball, before a slick exchange of