Xavi applauds ‘shining example’ Luuk de Jong after Espanyol heroics
Barcelona head coach Xavi was full of praise for Dutch star Luuk de Jong after his late heroics against Espanyol .
La Blaugarana looked set for a 2-1 defeat away at their local rivals on a bad tempered night in Catalonia.
However, the visitors were saved by a late rescue act from their towering striker as he arrived off the bench, and into the box, to head home Adama Traore’s cross and seal at a late point.
De Jong’s arrival at the Camp Nou, on loan from Sevilla at the start of 2021/22, was initially greeted by skepticism by fans based on his unorthodox style and poor goal return in Andalucia.
But, despite the negativity surrounding the 31-year-old, he has netted three crucial La Liga goals since the start of 2022, to directly secure Barcelona five league points.
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“He is an example and I say that to the squad”, as per reports from Diario AS .
“He’s a goal scorer and we brought him on to do that tonight.
“He already has had two goals and now he has one more.”
Up next for Barcelona is a Europa League clash with Napoli at home in midweek before returning to league action away at Valencia next weekend.