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 a late point.
Luuk de Jong equalises AT THE DEATH! 😱😱
Barca break Espanyol hearts late on in a thrilling derby 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/1bjM0t0hPZ
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) February 13, 2022
De Jong’s arrival at the Camp Nou, on loan from Sevilla at the start of 2021/22, was initially greeted by scepticism 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.
“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.
Images via Getty Images
