Aston Villa fans will love what Xavi has already said about Abde Ezzalzouli
Abde Ezzalzouli is the latest name linked to Aston Villa ahead of the transfer window, with Xavi previously holding the winger in high regard.
Currently, the Moroccan international plays for Real Betis, but he did make numerous appearances for Barcelona between 2021-23.
Since leaving the Catalan club, the 23-year-old has impressed, and has already netted five times in 13 games in all competitions this season.
Therefore, it is of little surprise that Aston Villa are willing to pay £26.4million to sign Ezzalzouli, with an offer being prepared.
If all goes through, Unai Emery will be hoping to get the winger to fulfil the potential that Xavi once saw in the youngster.
Xavi: Abde Ezzalzouli has huge ability
Given Aston Villa’s current problems in front of goal, adding a new attacker to the lineup in January wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Despite his age, Ezzalzouli has plenty of experience and is now competing in the Europa League with Betis.
- Ezzalzouli was at Barcelona back between 2021-23
- The winger has since moved to Real Betis where he has been a success
- Aston Villa are now chasing Ezzalzouli’s signature
He joined the Spanish side in 2023, with Barcelona allowing the winger to leave while also possessing a buy-back option.
Previously, Ezzalzouli had been highly rated at the Catalan club, with Xavi heaping praise on the 23-year-old to Bladi.net back on 29 November 2021.
He said: “Ezzalzouli is a talented player. He has a huge ability to dribble past defenders.
“We are happy with the performance of all our young players like Nico, Gavi and Oscar.”
What are Ezzalzouli’s stats this season?
According to Fotmob on 17 November, Ezzalzouli’s attacking stats so far this campaign are outstanding.
The winger is averaging 0.48 goals per game in La Liga while also averaging 0.32 assists in the same time period.
| Abde Ezzalzouli’s stats in La Liga this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.48 |
| xG | 0.45 |
| Shots | 3.23 |
| Assists | 0.32 |
| xA | 0.18 |
| Chances created | 1.45 |
| Touches in opposition box | 6.45 |
If Villa can bring in a player of this quality, it would certainly help their chances of winning the Europa League at Villa Park.
Now, the task for Emery is to ensure that they get the deal over the line before another club swoops in.
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