Barcelona manager Xavi has decided that winger Abde Ezzalzouli is now untouchable, and will not be leaving the club this summer.
That’s according to a report from AS, who have claimed that Abde, who has been linked with a move to Real Betis, will now be staying this summer as Xavi views him as the ideal replacement for Ousmane Dembele.
Abde spent last season on loan at Osasuna, helping Jagoba Arrasate’s side to reach the Copa Del Rey final and qualify for the Europa Conference League.
The report from AS has claimed that Abde’s ability in 1v1 situations is the best in the squad, and he is the only player capable of replacing Dembele’s strong dribbling skill. Xavi intends to give him more opportunities, and any potential transfer for him will be blocked.
What makes Abde special?
Abde ranked in the top 3% of European wingers for successful take-ons last season, highlighting his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, and it is clear that he has so much more to offer in this Barcelona side.
Xavi has previously described him as “extraordinary,” and the Spaniard rates the youngster highly. Capable of playing on both wings, the 21-year-old is a talent who could explode this season if given the opportunity.
His return from Osasuna effectively makes him like a new signing as an addition to the squad, and Xavi can utilise him in different ways.
Right now, Barcelona are lining up with Pedri as an inverted midfielder, with a winger in Raphinha or Lamine Yamal on the right. In some games, Abde can start on the left as a more direct dribbler, or even on the right as a more dangerous 1v1 option than the other wingers.
Selling him now would have been a huge mistake, and if he is given regular game time, he has the talent to establish himself as an important player by the end of this season.