Ez Abde could be facing the opportunity of a lifetime to break into Barça first XI
If Dembélé ends up leaving Barça, the Moroccan would benefit the most, as he is a pure and very incisive winger
The departure of Ousmane Dembélé to Paris Saint-Germain, if it happens, could open the doors to a first-team spot for Ez Abde. As things stand, this is not guaranteed despite his outstanding role in the first pre-season game against Arsenal. In the clásico, the Moroccan featured very briefly in the final stretches, without having a major impact.
Xavi Hernández's preference for Ousmane Dembélé is well known, a player who is far removed from all the corsets but with that touch of genius that seduces the man from Egarte. But if he leaves, Barça will need to find a replacement at his level, which will not be easy, and Abde will try to prove that the solution lies within the same squad.
The player, who signed in the summer of 2021 from Hercules Alicante to play in the reserve team, still has his sights set on succeeding at Barça. He needs opportunities to earn that. Last season he made the most of his loan spell at Osasuna - 34 appearances, six goals and two assists.
The 21-year-old Moroccan international has a lot of pace and dribbling ability on the left flank, as he is more comfortable on the left wing. But he can also play on the other side and his verticality does not interfere with that of left-back Balde, who needs a lot of space in front of him to show off his physical prowess. His attributes are the most similar to those of Ousmane Dembélé.
Xavi still prefers to have an 'old-fashioned' centre-back and another winger who can cut inside - such as Raphinha or Ferran Torres - or a fourth midfielder, similar to Gavi's role last season and where Gündogan played against Real Madrid.
Dembélé started in the Clásico but against Milan, to close the American tour, the Moroccan could finally have those minutes he so desperately needs to show his qualities.
For now his future remains very uncertain and many teams had already knocked on the door of the Catalan club, especially Betis, where the man who brought Ez Abde to Barça, Ramon Planes, is now working.
Lamine Yamal can also stand to benefit
Although their characteristics are different, the departure of Ousmane Dembélé could also mean more first-team minutes for the next crown jewel of the youth academy, Lamine Yamal. Barely 16 years old, the versatile right winger who can play anywhere upfront has everything to mark a new era.
With one winger less, and although there are still many within the squad(Ansu, Raphinha, Ferran Torres?), Lamine, who, in theory, would be in the reserve team, can find his niche if he is given the opportunity. He is unlikely to let it slip through his fingers.
