Abde Ezzalzouli, after breaking into Barcelona’s first-team late in 2021, was labelled a footballer of ‘spectacular’ ability by none other Camp Nou coach Xavi Hernandez. And his winning goal during Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg victory over Athletic Bilbao was exactly that; ‘spectacular’.
Abde had not scored for Osasuna until last weekend; the Barca loanee opening his account with a dramatic, last-gasp decider in a 3-2 win away at Sevilla.
Abde did not leave it quite so late this time around. But a second winner in the space of two games – breezing away from an Athletic defender before fizzing an inch-perfect shot into the far corner – means Barcelona may have a difficult decision to make as they weigh up whether or not to cash in on the Morocco international over the summer.
Nottingham Forest, according to Sport, are ‘thinking seriously’ about a bid. A loan spell at Osasuna was intended to add some first-team experience to all of Abde’s exuberance and, after an inconsistent start, successive winners in successive games proves that the fleet-footed 21-year-old is more-than ready to make the step up to senior football; whether at Barca or elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest want Barcelona’s Abde Ezzalzouli
“The first day he came to the club, I gave him my hand and took him along with me. That’s why he always comes to hug me first when he scores, because I speak to him a lot. I have a brother about his age,” Osasuna team-mate Chimy Avila tells Cadena Ser.
“He’s a very good player, with a lot to give. When you are not expecting it, he can make the difference in an extraordinary manner. So you have to keep an eye on him.
“We all know where Abde has come from. But this is Osasuna. You have to do your work. And he is picking things up well.”
Nottingham Forest’s interest in the mesmeric Moroccan – who impressed on route to the semi-finals at the Qatar World Cup – raises further questions about the future of Emmanuel Dennis at the City Ground; the £20 million summer signing struggling for form under Steve Cooper.
Whether he ends up at Forest, or returns to Barcelona, the message to Osasuna fans is simple. Basically, enjoy him while you can.
“In the end the game was decided by Abde’s genius,” smiles Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate. “And sometimes you have to say it that way.
“We have to give him that ecosystem so that he shines. We already know the player he is.”
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