Barcelona’s Xavi Reluctant to Release Rising Star Ez Abde for Africa Cup of Nations

In a very short time, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has become such an essential piece of the FC Barcelona squad that coach Xavi Hernandez is already having trouble parting with him for the duration of his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations starting in early January. Xavi does not want the 20-year-old Moroccan winger to join his national team because he would be absent for the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid.

To read: Barcelona’s Rising Star Ezzalzouli May Miss Crucial Games for Africa Cup of Nations

The coach of the Spanish club wants to prevent the Moroccan player from responding to his first call-up to the national team to participate in the 2022 CAN. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has earned the trust of Xavi Hernandez who called him up as soon as he arrived at the head of the team. The winger managed to score his first goal as a Barça player in the last match against Osasuna, and has delivered good performances in the other matches.

To read: Spanish Media Pressures Moroccan-Origin Barcelona Stars Over National Team Choice

The national coach, Vahid Halihodzic, is very upset with Xavi who does not want to let Abde go, who, for his part, is very excited to wear the national colors and take part in his first CAN, a competition that will take place between January 9 and February 6 in Cameroon.