Ronald Koeman was full of praise for Ilaix Moriba after the 18-year-old struck his first goal for Barcelona on Saturday against Osasuna.
Koeman has made it clear he has plenty of faith in the youngster and handed him more first-team minutes as a substitute for Sergio Busquets at El Sadar.
Moriba repaid his manager’s faith by striking a brilliant goal for Barcelona to seal an important win that left Koeman more than happy with the youngster.
“Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra, because of his personality, his energy, most of all he’s good with the ball, and physically he’s a strong boy. He’s gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team.
“It is clear that we are proud to let young people from grassroots football in. We do it because they deserve it, there are people like Pedri, Ilaix, Riqui, Araujo, Mingueza … They are the future of the club.”
Barca now turn their attentions to the Champions League and a trip to Paris Saint-Germain for the second leg of their last 16 clash. Koeman said his team “are going there to get a good result” and will need something special if they are to overturn a 4-1 first leg defeat.
