Barcelona loanee Munir enjoying new lease of life at Alaves

Munir El Haddadi (22 years old, San Lorenzo de El Escorial) is taking advantage of his loan move to Alaves to grow as a football, despite the managerial changes at the Basque club this season. 

A regular under Zubeldía and De Biasi, it's been since the appointment of Abelardo that he's taken a leap forward. In the last seven league games he's contributed to five goals (three goals and two assists). 

The forward is one of the young players that has led Alaves' improvement in recent weeks. The signing of John Guidetti, in addition, has helped him with goalscoring duties in the team. 

Munir's play is looking more mature on the pitch. The qualities we know he has -- his intelligence and his ability to improve those who he plays with -- are shining through. 

In part, he is benefitting from the form of the likes of Ibai, Pedraza and Burgui, too. Playing as a more central forward, as he did during his loan at Valencia, he has grown physically and improved with his back to goal. 

"I am really happy with Abelardo," the player said after just three training sessions with the coach. Munir has four goals in La Liga and three in the Copa del Rey. He has played 1,545 minutes for the Vitoria-based side. 

The striker has now brought up 20 games with Alaves and has the same amount of goals (7) that he managed in 36 appearances with Valencia last season. Of the players loaned out by Barça in the summer (Samper, Marlon and Munir) he's the one playing the most football. 

Munir's on loan at Alaves until the end of June and there's no option to buy. Barça are following his progress closely because they know he's a player with a future in La Liga.

On Sunday he will have the chance to continue his good form ... against Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona side.