Xavi has proven religion within the “totally different” Ousmane Dembele and Miralem Pjanic to play necessary roles for his facet, following Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Juventus on Tuesday.
Pjanic made a robust first look for the pre-season whereas Dembele scored a poised brace and carried out effectively regardless of the outcome, reflecting the arrogance proven in him since Xavi took over as Barcelona’s head coach final November.
The 25-year-old’s first of the evening was a very spectacular solo motion, exhibiting his trademark dexterity on a mazy dribble, wriggling his well past three Juve defenders earlier than ending from an acute angle.
The Barca boss demanded extra consistency from the France worldwide post-match, however is buoyed by each his expertise and new-found enthusiasm after extending his contract.
“He has proven what he’s able to, making a distinction from the correct wing with one-on-two actions,” Xavi stated afterwards. “He’s a distinct participant, particular and he provides us lots.
A motion!! https://t.co/1avWOKCzzp
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“He has to make a distinction, be extra constant, rating extra targets. I don’t know Dembele from earlier than however since I’ve arrived, I see him comfortable and he at all times tells me that he’s concerned within the mission. I see him like that since November, that’s why I insisted a lot on to remain.”
The 42-year-old additionally saved particular point out for an additional polarising determine amongst Barcelona followers, Miralem Pjanic, who made his first look for the membership upon coming back from a mortgage spell at Besiktas.
When requested in regards to the midfielder’s efficiency, the equally cerebral Xavi was effusive in his evaluation.
“I appreciated it lots,” Xavi stated. “He provides us lots with the ball, he discovered the interiors very effectively. He has an unique imaginative and prescient of soccer basically, as a result of there aren’t many who see the sport like that with their first contact.
“He at all times seems ahead, seems very effectively for the move to 9. He has performed an excellent sport.”
