Xavi: 'Abde Ezzalzouli could be a very important player for Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 April 2023

Xavi: 'Ezzalzouli could be a very important player for Barcelona'

Barcelona head coach Xavi says that on-loan attacker Abde Ezzalzouli could be "a very important player in the future" for the club.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that attacker Abde Ezzalzouli could be "a very important player in the future" for the Catalan side.

The 21-year-old made the move to Barcelona from Hercules in 2021, and he featured on 12 occasions for the club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring once.

Ezzalzouli was allowed to join Osasuna on loan for the current season, and he has impressed for Los Rojillos, representing them on 26 occasions, scoring five goals and registering two assists.

The forward was also in action for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, representing his country three times in Qatar, while he has been capped on five occasions overall.

Morocco's Abde Ezzalzouli in action with Spain's Marcos Llorente on December 6, 2022 © Reuters

As it stands, Ezzalzouli will return to Barcelona this summer, and Xavi has revealed that he has been keeping a close eye on the form of the on-loan player.

"Abde is making the most of his loan spell, he is making a difference, they are very happy in Pamplona, he is being professional and playing very well," Xavi told reporters during his press conference to preview Monday's La Liga contest with Girona.

"Barca have to ensure that he is at the level he was yesterday, that he is at every game.

"When he comes back we will look at him, we will evaluate him and decide what to do with him, he could be a very important player in the future."

Osasuna's Ez Abde celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on March 1, 2023 © Reuters

Ezzalzouli has scored three times and registered two assists in 21 La Liga appearances for Osasuna during the 2022-23 campaign.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan has scored five times in two Copa del Rey appearances, with Jagoba Arrasate's side reaching the final of the competition, where they will take on Real Madrid.

Ezzalzouli has another three years left to run on his contract with Barcelona, and he will be bidding to compete for a first-team spot during the 2023-24 campaign.

The forward played a key role in Osasuna recording a 2-1 win over Elche in La Liga on Saturday, scoring both of his loan side's goals in the victory over the basement team.