Xavi makes Dembele claim after strong pre-season performance
Barcelona boss Xavi says Ousmane Dembele is a player reborn after the France international scored twice in the club’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Juventus on Tuesday.
Dembele opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a fine solo effort, dribbling past Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro before drilling a fierce shot past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, but his goal was cancelled out by Moise Kean’s equaliser in the 39th minute.
Dembele immediately restored Barcelona’s lead, scoring his second just a minute later, only for Kean to once again draw Juventus level with a second-half strike.
Ousmane Dembele scored twice as Barcelona drew 2-2 in a friendly against Juventus in Dallas
Speaking after the match at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Xavi lavished praise on the 25-year-old, who struggled to make an impact after joining Barcelona in 2017 but has improved under the guidance of the former midfielder.
Xavi praised the impact of the French forward, saying ‘he gives us a lot with the way we play’
‘He has shown what he is capable of. He is different, special. There are not many of this type,’ Xavi said. ‘He gives us a lot with the way we play.
‘Not everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world of soccer and he does. He is involved and he shows it. I don’t know the Dembele from before November, I don’t know him. I am very happy with this one.’
Dembele’s performances for Barcelona have improved since Xavi was appointed as manager
The Barca boss also handed a 45-minute run out to midfielder Miralem Pjanic, another player who has failed to make the grade at the Nou Camp since joining from Juventus two years ago.
Xavi also handed a lifeline to midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who played 45 minutes against Juve
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The Bosnian spent last season out on loan at Besiktas, but Xavi hinted that there could still be a future for him in Catalonia.
‘Pjanic? I like him a lot,’ he said. ‘He’s a great player with unique vision. We’ll see what happens from here to the end of the market.’
Barcelona, who finished second in LaLiga last season, kick off their league campaign at home to Rayo Vallecano on August 13.