Barcelona Loanee Ezzalzouli Shines at Osasuna, Impresses with Copa del Rey Heroics

"We knew he was good, but not to that extent," the Osasuna officials, who are impressed by the performance of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, the Moroccan jewel of Barça, currently on loan to the Navarrese club, confided. Thanks to his goal against Athletic Bilbao (1-0) on Wednesday, the young striker gave the victory to his club, which is now a step away from the final of the Copa del Rey. A few days earlier, Ezzalzouli had also scored the winning goal against Sevilla (3-2) in La Liga, recalls El País.

"Watching him train is a show. Sometimes he recovers the ball and goes past three, four or five guys. It’s impressive," the Osasuna officials, and especially the coach, Jagoba Arrasate, who do not regret having this talent, rejoice. "He has the street football style. He is growing, he accepts challenges and is very ambitious. He has character. You have to know how to manage him, but he has a very good level," explains Ramon Planes, the sports director of Getafe, who was behind the transfer of Ezzalzouli to Barça B from Hercules Alicante B in 2021 for 2 million euros.

The Moroccan international made his debut in the Barça first team, under Sergi Barjuán, then under Xavi, before being left on the sidelines after the arrival of Ansu Fati, Ferran, Rapinha and Dembélé. This is how he was loaned to Osasuna, who gave him playing time and allowed him to develop and reveal all his potential. "He’s a super humble and always smiling kid. He’s like a child... He integrated very quickly into the group," we are told from Pamplona.

But Ezzalzouli should return to the Camp Nou next season. His adventure at Osasuna started on September 1st last year and will end on the same date this year. With the Navarrese club, he has already played 857 minutes and will get more playing time. In total, he already has four goals and two assists in 19 games played, in all competitions (Copa del Rey and LaLiga). "The work he is doing now will bring out the best in him, he is in the right place to improve and reveal himself. I have no doubt: he will become one of the best in Europe in his position. With time," Planes assured.