Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has heaped praise on Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang after he opened his account for the club in Sunday’s 4-1 win at Valencia.
The striker netted twice in the first half – with suggestions he scored a hat-trick, after Pedri’s long-range effort took a small deflection off the unsuspecting Aubameyang's strike in the second half – in an impressive win for the Catalan side.
Aubameyang, who joined from Arsenal for free on 2 February, was making his first start in La Liga having also been included in the starting line-up for the first time for the Europa League first leg draw against Napoli on Thursday evening.
While the 32-year-old was not involved in the goalmouth action on his first start for the club, he was deadly in front of goal at the Mestalla as he spearheaded Xavi’s side to an impressive win.
Arsenal were keen to facilitate the striker’s permanent exit and waive a transfer fee due to the significant savings they will make on Aubameyang’s salary.
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Aubameyang slammed in the opener from Jordi Alba's assist in the 23 rd minute and converted home another 15 minutes later, surviving narrowly from an offside check by VAR.
Frenkie de Jong had netted a goal in between that in a devastating spell for the visitors, and while Carlos Soler pulled a goal back for Barca after the break – a stunning strike from Pedri, via Aubameyang’s back, settled the tie for the visitors.
That led to Barca boss Xavi praising the striker, who had fallen out with Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, as he reaped the rewards from the move.
Xavi told his post-match press conference on Aubameyang: "He has scored goals all his career.
"He does well when he has space.
"He is mature, intelligent, humble and positive. I am delighted with him.
"The two goals will give him confidence."
The experienced striker had not been involved in the 10 matchday squads for the Gunners before his exit after a high-profile falling out with boss Arteta.
Aubameyang was ostracised by Arteta who instructed the club to offload the player this month as he continued to trim the first-team squad, with the player already stripped of the captaincy.
Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets added of the striker: "Since Aubameyang arrived, he has been working hard. We know he hasn't played many minutes this season.
"He is a fabulous player and having him in the squad, having come here for free, is really positive for us."
For Aubameyang’s part, he said after his goals: "I am very happy for my goals but above all because we have won the match.
"Last time I played in the Mestalla it was in the Europa League semi-final with Arsenal and now I've scored a double. This stadium is like my home!
"I think we played very well in the last few games and only the result was missing.
"Today we've also played very well and we've won.
"It's important for the squad and now it's time to continue because we have an important game on Thursday (against Napoli, in the Europa League).
"This victory was the best way to approach the game and we're ready to win the game."
Aubameyang is now off the mark for his new club in an important victory that lifted Xavi’s side back into the top four in La Liga and on course for Champions League qualification.
