Barcelona head coach Xavi was full of praise for Dutch star Luuk de Jong after his late heroics against Espanyol
On a sour night in Catalonia, La Blaugarana appeared to be heading for a 2-1 loss at the hands of their local rivals.
The visitors were spared, however, by a late rescue performance from their towering striker, who came off the bench and into the box to head home Adama Traore’s cross and clinch a late point.
De Jong’s arrival to the Camp Nou on loan from Sevilla at the start of the 2021/22 season was met with scepticism by supporters due to his unconventional style and poor goal return in Andalucia.
Despite the hostility surrounding the 31-year-old, he has scored three key La Liga goals since the start of 2022, securing Barcelona five points.
De Jong, who came off the bench to score the dramatic equaliser, was well applauded.
Xavi said the following on De Jong’s performance.
“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.
“When Gavi’s goal was ruled out, when we were playing our best, then they score. It’s a point but it is not enough.”
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.
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