Here's why Barça should make sure Dani Alves does not leave this summer

Barcelona should not allow Dani Alves to leave on a free transfer this summer. Here are three reasons why: 

1. The Brazilian full-back has delivered in the second half of the season. Some of his performances in Barcelona's biggest games have been wonderful. He has played out of his skin against the toughest opponents, rolling back the years to help his side reach the Champions League final. In the first half of the season he was below his best, and sometimes against the smaller teams he can be a little too casual. But that's where Martin Montoya - or even Douglas - comes in. They will relish the chance to get a regular game with the first-team, while Alves can be preserved and used for the grandest occasions. Furthermore, Luis Enrique clearly doesn't trust either of those players enough to be the regular starter. With the transfer ban, Barcelona can't add to their squad until January either. 

2. Can Barcelona really afford to lose this character in the dressing room? You need players like Alves, keeping everybody happy, entertained and relaxed. Obviously he's more than just the class clown, but that's an important role too. His team-mates love him, and his vibrant, booming personality will really be missed at the club. There are few other players with his character in world football, let alone at Barcelona. 

3. Alves didn't come through La Masia. He isn't a Barcelona boy in the same way Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta are. When he does eventually leave, which seems like it will be this summer, he won't have the same treatment as Xavi did. That's understandable. But Alves has been integral to the club's success over the past seven years. He, Xavi and Lionel Messi have put together some quite wonderful moves down Barcelona's right side. Alves is Barcelona history, like the others. He's not a La Masia graduate, but he's as close as an 'outsider' could be. If he wants to, Alves should be allowed to finish his career at FC Barcelona.