Xavi delivers verdict on Dembele form
Ousmane Dembele was in riotous form as Barcelona routed Athletic Club 4-0 on Sunday, in stark contrast to the rest of his injury-plagued career in La Liga - and the winger's newfound confidence has impressed manager Xavi.
Dembele, who is out of contract this summer, scored once and assisted twice in just 23 minutes after coming on as a substitute during a game which also included goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay.
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Xavi’s side climbed into the Champions League spots with the win and hold a game in hand over Real Betis, who sit a point ahead.
Dembele’s form has come at the perfect time for the Frenchman’s career. With an expiring contract and a host of potential suitors, the winger is playing himself into the shop window after reportedly rejecting Barcelona’s offer of a renewal.
Rumours of a summer switch to PSG or the Premier League persist - in the meantime he seems to be building a strong relationship with Xavi, who remains tight-lipped on the player’s future.
What has Xavi said about Dembele?
“I am happy with him because he is a professional,” Xavi told Sport after Dembele’s impressive perfomance at the Camp Nou on Sunday. “I defend him because I don’t say any lies.
“He has made the difference. With many conditions, off the left, the right, with the last pass, he can score.
“We have the Dembele we want.”
How long they’ll have him remains to be seen. On whether the pacey forward will stay in Barcelona or not, Xavi remains cautious.
“Can Dembele stay? It’s not my business, I’m not gonna talk about it. It’s up to Ousmane and the club," he responded when asked about his player's future.
Dembele is quickly becoming a key figure in the resurgence of Xavi’s Barcelona side.
He’s quickly proving himself a dynamic and flexible member of Xavi’s new-look attack, which is lead by new signings including ex-Premier League forwards Aubameyang and Adama Traore, who joined in January from Arsenal and Wolves respectively.
Dembele is not the only Barca player in contract negotiations with the club - starlet midfielder Gavi is also talking about a potential renewal, though his current deal runs until 2023.
