DBasia.news – Ousmane Dembele played brilliantly in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Juventus. Expectations are high for the French player ahead of the 2022-2023 season.
In the match which took place at the Cotton Bowl, Wednesday (27/7), Dembele appeared from the first minute. He made up for it by scoring two goals that gave the Blaugrana the lead twice.
Barcelona ultimately failed to win. But Dembele’s performance was still praised.
Xavi Hernandez became one of the figures who praised Dembele’s appearance. He did not hesitate to say the player will be the focus of Barcelona’s attack next season.
“He’s a different and special player. With the way we played, he contributed so much,” Xavi said after the match, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“He can make a big difference for us. He has to be more consistent, score more goals and contribute more assists, something he has improved since last year.”
Dembele initially came close to leaving Barcelona this summer. This could not be separated from the failure of both parties to find an agreement to renew the contract which expired last June.
With a free transfer status, Dembele was linked with a number of clubs. Chelsea became one of the clubs most serious in obtaining him.
But at the last moment, Barcelona again insisted on defending Dembele. This effort finally paid off with the signing of a new two-year contract.
Xavi became a key figure in Barcelona’s success in extending Dembele’s contract. The coach was able to make the former Borussia Dortmund player feel comfortable.
“Since last November when (Xavi and the coaching staff) arrived, I have seen a happy Dembele. He is always involved and he always shows that,” he added.
“That’s why I pushed so hard for him to stay.”