Hansi Flick impressed by Ez Abde ahead of Barcelona’s Betis test

Hansi Flick has highlighted the threat posed by Morocco international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, better known as Ez Abde, before FC Barcelona’s Liga meeting with Betis on Saturday.

FC Barcelona travel to Andalusia as league leaders, having taken 24 points from eight victories in their opening eight matches. They face a Betis side who have also made an impressive start and sit third with 19 points.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Flick singled out Abde as one of Betis’ main attacking threats. The Barcelona manager praised the winger’s pace, unpredictability and ability to win one-on-one duels.

Abde is particularly effective from the left, where his direct running allows him to beat his marker and create space for his team-mates. Flick’s comments underline the respect he has for the qualities of the 24-year-old Morocco international.

The forward appears to have taken another step forward in his career. He enjoyed an outstanding 2025-2026 campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

His start to the current season was disrupted by injury, but he has responded with three goals in his past four club matches. He has also established himself as an increasingly important member of Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis squad.

Saturday’s fixture will carry added significance for Abde, who previously represented FC Barcelona before joining Betis in the summer of 2023.

A graduate of La Masia, FC Barcelona’s academy, Abde first played for Barca Atletic before making his senior-team debut during the 2021-2022 season. He was unable to secure a consistent place in the club’s attacking rotation and subsequently spent time on loan at Osasuna.

His move to Betis later became permanent, and his progress has not gone unnoticed in Catalonia. His performances last spring even led to speculation that he could eventually return to FC Barcelona.

The match also presents a demanding test for Flick’s side. FC Barcelona have made a perfect start to the campaign and will be seeking to protect their unbeaten record at a stadium where Betis have won every home league match so far this season.

For Abde, it is an opportunity to show his development against the club where his senior career began. After receiving such strong praise from Flick, the Morocco international will have the chance to justify that assessment on the pitch.