Ez Abde shines in first start for FC Barcelona

Tacking, taking men on, crossing and even heading onto the crossbar… We had a bit of everything from Ez Abde in his first ever senior start in a blaugrana jersey. And he even played a role in the first goal of the night against Villarreal. 

Close to a goal

It took the youngster just five minutes to make his presence felt at the Estadio de La Ceràmica. His header from a corner would normally have gone in, but home stopper Rulli produced a sizzling save.

The first ever Moroccan-born player to play for Barça was an utter handful for Alfonso Pedraza, and never once looked inhibited by the responsibility. He bossed the right wing like a true pro, taking his number of dribble attempts for the team up to 19 (12 of which have been successful).

Of course, it wasn’t the 19-year-old’s first game. He came on as a sub against Alavés, and also came on against Celta and Espanyol, but this was the first time he’s been on from the start.  

Impact on 1-0

And he was also the man who opened the move that led to the first of Barça’s three goals. It had been an extraordinary game from the youngster, but such intensity also bred tiredness and he was eventually relieved a very happy man after 66 minutes on the field.