Xavi raves about Moroccan youngster

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has praised Moroccan youngster Abde Ezzalzouli, who is on loan from the Catalan club at Osasuna. 

Abde scored twice for Osasuna in game week 28 against Elche and his man-of-the-match performance caught the eye of the Barcelona coach who said there could still be a future for the winger at the club, especially if he keeps up his current form. 

Abde also helped Osasuna reach the final of the Copa del Rey with a goal against Athletic Club in the semifinal and has been one of the club’s more impressive players in the team, making food of his loan time. 

Xavi has said he is happy with the way the Moroccan’s progress at Osasuna and is hoping he could be important for Barcelona when he returns. 

He said, “Abde is making the most of his loan, he's making a difference and we're very happy with him. At Barça, you need players at that level.

“When he comes back, we'll decide. But Abde can be important for us”

Xavi also implored Abde to find some consistent form in Pamplona, saying it would greatly improve his chances of having a future at Barcelona when he returns from his loan spell. 

Xavi said, “He is not always at the level he was against Elche, and he has to be like that every game if he wants to be at Barca. 

“He can be an important player for the future.”

Abde has scored five goals and assisted two more in 16 starts for Osasuna and could improve even further with more regular appearances at a higher level. 

The winger has also made seven appearances for the Moroccan national team, including three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions reached the semifinal.