Xavi Hernandez has heaped praise on Ousmane Dembele for another impressive performance, this time in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Osasuna this past weekend.
Speaking in the aftermath of Barcelona’s stunning 4-0 win over Osasuna this past weekend, as quoted by Barca Universal, Xavi Hernandez seemed ecstatic. The Barcelona boss was particularly delighted by Ousmane Dembele’s performance in the game, heaping praise on the French winger.
Ousmane Dembele might be approaching the end of his underwhelming stint with Barcelona, but he seems to be determined to go out with a bang. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has had a massive supporter in Xavi Hernandez, who came to his rescue when Barcelona fans booed him in his first appearance after the January transfer window shut down.
Xavi has even asserted that Dembele is an exemplary professional while refusing to get drawn up in talks of a possible contract renewal. And the French international seems to be repaying the faith that Xavi has imposed in him in the last few weeks, producing several noteworthy displays.
Dembele’s latest impressive performance came in the 4-0 win over Osasuna this past weekend, with the 24-year-old being Barcelona’s standout performer. And after the big win, Xavi Hernandez lavished praise on the boisterous winger, lauding him for making all the difference.
Ousmane Dembélé's Barcelona ranks since Xavi took over:
⏱️ 1024' played (9th)
✅ 9 goal involvements (1st)
?️ 7 assists (1st)
? 8 big chances created (=1st)
? 32 key passes (2nd)
? 41 succ. dribbles (1st)
? 7.48 average SofaScore rating (1st) pic.twitter.com/S1M0iYfsR2— 801 (@hmuforapplepie) March 14, 2022
The Barcelona boss said, “Ousmane is a player that makes all the difference. He showed it again today. People see that Dembele gives his life for Barcelona. He played a very good game, I already said that he was one more and that there was no more debate. Ousmane Dembele makes the difference. By scoring, by assisting, by reaching the penalty area.”
Xavi then proceeded towards hailing another outstanding player in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, saying, “We have a lot of difference makers in attack: Ferran, Auba, Luuk, Memphis… everyone. Aubameyang is a gift from the skies. He’s positive, hardworking, and fits well in the dressing room. It’s a privilege to coach him.”
Despite his impressive performances, Dembele’s Barcelona future remains up in the air. President Joan Laporta recently commented on the Frenchman’s contract situation, suggesting he is not opposed to tying the player down to a new contract. But only time will tell if Dembele has a change of heart and commits his long-term future to Barcelona.
