Barcelona manager Xavi has compared Dembele to the Brazilian superstar Neymar, after Dembele’s outstanding performance led the Catalans to a 5-1 victory against Viktoria Plzen in their UEFA Champions League opening match on Wednesday, 7th of September, 2022.
The French man was highly praised after providing two stunning assists, the first winning the ball back from their opponent, before sending in a perfect cross onto the head of the former Bayern Munich Legend Robert Lewandowski.
His second assist was amazing, curving the ball over the top of the defense for Ferran Torres to make it 5-1 for the Catalans.
Ousmane Dembele missed out on some games due to injury issues, however, he registered one goal and four assists in five appearances for Barcelona in all competitions since the new season began.
In a post-match interview, the former Barcelona star and now manager Xavi Hernandez was full of praises for the French national winger narrating how valuable Dembele is to him and describing him as a vital instrument to the team.
Xavi said: “He (Dembele) is happy, enjoying himself, content, he is important for me, for the group… He makes the difference, assists, scores, he is a knife and he is in a good moment.”
The Spanish manager compared Dembele’s style of play with the PSG superstar Neymar Jr., stating that both players exhibit the same excellent football skills.
He added: “I don’t want to shower him in praise but the capacity he has in the one-on-one is at the level of the best Neymar. He has to be bolder, shoot at goal more, and score.
“He is a good kid and he has to take advantage of these characteristics. He is capable of making the difference and he is doing so.”
Barcelona boss didn’t stop at appreciating Dembele alone, Xavi also acknowledged the all-time football legend Robert Lewandowski for his extraordinary performances every time.
The former Bayern Munich icon Robert Lewandowski, enjoyed most of the praises with the hat-trick he netted for his new side, adding to the goals from Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres, which helped to defeat Viktoria Plzen 5-1 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.
The Polish football wizard marked his European debut for the Catalans in a grand style. He is no doubt a game changer as Barcelona are always soaring in victories since Lewandowski joined.
Xavi could not help but praised Robert Lewandowski who has made an incredible record by scoring eight goals in just five matches since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich this summer.
Xavi said: ‘Hat-trick for Lewandowski today. But not only, he plays and he makes the team play.
“He knows the third man and reads space perfectly. I’m in love. His signing was fantastic.”
If Barcelona can maintain this fantastic form, there’s no doubt the Spanish giants will be arch-challengers as they come up against other big guns like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Group C.
The Catalan’s next Champions League game is against Bayern Munich, scheduled to happen on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Allianz Arena Stadium.
Robert Lewandowski will be facing his former side for the first time since joining Barcelona this summer.
This match comes with great anticipation with football lovers wanting to see whether or not the Polish striker will be able to score against his former side.
However, with Lewandowski’s current form, a hat-trick might be an exaggeration but certainly, he will net, at least a goal against Bayern Munich this coming Tuesday.
