Xavi helped Ousmane Dembele rediscover his best form for Barcelona
Karan Tejwani
- 9 Sept 2022 11:45 BST
- 3 min read
Ousmane Dembele has had a stellar run of form in 2022, and Xavi’s decision to request a contract extension for the Frenchman is being vindicated by his performances early this season.
The winger put on a starring display in Barcelona’s Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen, and is hoping to continue that good run in the coming weeks of the season.
He is now earning praise from those within the club as well as the media, proving that this is his best run of form since joining Barcelona for a mammoth fee back in 2017.
Reports from Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo have also now pointed out the reasons behind Dembele’s good form and it’s down to maturity on and off the pitch.
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Xavi helped improve Dembele
Xavi, who pushed for his renewal in the summer after his contract expired, has worked with his coaching staff to get rid of the weaknesses in Dembele’s game extensively.
When the club wanted to sell Dembele last December, Xavi pushed for his stay, and that it was better for him to be in the squad and not a banned player as they would benefit.
Dembele himself has appreciated the faith, working to improve his fitness and prevent injuries by improving rest, diet and injury prevention work to reach the peak of his physical and technical abilities.
Martin Braithwaite on Ousmane Dembele:
"Ousmane is a very good kid, I like him a lot. He has an enormous talent, I have never seen anything like it. Messi is something else, but I have never seen anyone like Ousmane." pic.twitter.com/xC0YCXfS2R— Football España (@footballespana_) September 8, 2022
Additionally, he has also had stability in his personal life with his wife and is motivated by the fact that the World Cup is around the corner and has a great chance to play an important role in the team.
Xavi feels Dembele now understands his system and style of football better than before and that he notices a constant improvement in the player in every game.
Barcelona were open to letting him go in the summer, with Chelsea interested, but they presented in with a reasonable offer on the manager’s request and their efforts have been rewarded.
Despite the signing of Raphinha and the emergence of Ansu Fati and others, Dembele looks set to keep his place in the side and contribute positively to the team.
