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Ilaix Moriba says he will take his first Barcelona goal “to the grave” with him after opening his account for the club in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Osasuna.
Ilaix, 18, scored Barça’s second goal with seven minutes remaining to seal the victory as Ronald Koeman’s team closed the gap with La Liga leaders Atlético de Madrid to just two points.
– Barça ratings: Ilaix stars in the first goal, Messi, Alba 8/10
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The midfielder, who joined the club’s youth squad in 2010, only made his professional debut in January and was only making his fifth appearance with the senior team.
“I like to shoot,” Ilaix told reporters after the game. “Thanks god, [Lionel Messi’s] He passed the ball to me and I don’t know how I cut, but then I shoot with the left [foot] and it is a goal.
“I need a little time to take it all in. I will never forget it. I will take it to my grave. I just want to dedicate the goal to my dad, my mom … and my whole family.” . “
Ilaix, who was born in Guinea but has represented Spain at the youth level, is one of several young people that Koeman has given a chance to.
He went through the La Masia quarry at the same time as Ansu Fati, whose first Barça goal was also away against Osasuna last season.
“Ansu is like my brother, we have spent many years together,” said Ilaix. “I love him very much, he is my family. I am delighted to have scored my first goal in the same goal as him.”
Asked about the advice that Messi, who set up the goal, has given him, Ilaix added: “He has told me from the beginning: ‘You always have to go to the area. Come and look for the goal. ‘ And today he gave me the pass and I shot him … “
Ilaix has been highly rated within the club, he signed an unprecedented contract for an academy player in 2019 when he was just 16 years old, but Koeman still deserves credit for the faith he has shown in him.
Ilaix Moriba celebrates his first goal with Barcelona this Saturday. EPA / Jesus Diges
“Ilaix scored a fantastic goal, the decisive goal that sentenced the game,” said the Barça coach at a press conference.
“Every time he comes in he gives something extra to the team, because of his personality and his energy. Above all, he is good with the ball and physically he is a strong boy. He is gaining ground and showing that he can be with the first team.” plus.
“For me, the most important thing is that we are competitive. Age does not matter, it is about what I see on the field.”
Jordi Alba had opened the scoring before, but Barça was in debt with a series of saves by Marc-Andre ter Stegen to keep them in front before the Ilaix finisher.
Koeman admitted that his team were not at their best, but still felt that they “deserved” to leave Pamplona with three points.
The Dutch coach will be an interested spectator on Sunday when leaders Atlético host third-placed Real Madrid in the Madrid derby.
Atlético’s advantage over Barça has been reduced to just two points, although they have two fewer games, while Madrid are three points behind Barça but have played one game less.
“The most important thing was winning our game,” Koeman said. “Whatever the outcome on Sunday will be good for us.”
Source: espn.co.uk
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