Barcelona boss Xavi has lavished praise on Abde Ezzalzouli, Gavi and Nico Gonzalez for their "extraordinary" performances in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Osasuna in La Liga.

Nico opened the scoring for the Catalan giants in the 12th minute of the contest, while Ezzalzouli netted early in the second period to make it 2-1 to the visitors, who conceded a late leveller in Pamplona.

Xavi has hailed the teenage trio for their displays but admitted that it was "difficult to digest" that the young players in the squad "are making a difference" rather than the senior professionals.

"Abde, Gavi and Nico were extraordinary, they are propping up the team in difficult moments," Xavi told reporters. "The youngsters are making a difference and that is difficult to digest.

"It's positive and negative because they won't always be able to perform excellent because they are young. They can't be the props, other players have to work. We all have to demand more from each other."

Ezzalzouli has made six La Liga appearances this season, while Gavi and Nico have been key players for the Catalan giants, racking up 37 outings between them in all competitions.

Written by
Matt Law