Barcelona

Xavi: 'Ousmane Dembele must believe in himself'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 March 2018

Former Barcelona captain Xavi tells Ousmane Dembele to "believe in himself" as the Frenchman looks to forge a successful career with the Catalan giants.

Former Barcelona captain Xavi has told Ousmane Dembele to "believe in himself" as the Frenchman looks to forge a successful career with the Catalan giants.

Barcelona paid close to £100m to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but the 20-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Camp Nou - managing just one goal since his arrival.

Xavi has said that Dembele needs to be "mentally strong" in order to overcome a difficult settling-in period.

"This is the time when we will see if his mentality is sufficient," Xavi told So Foot. "Now he must convince himself he is a Barcelona player and to believe in himself, to be mentally strong.

"There were numerous times in training when you thoughts players would go on to be legends at the club but when they played in games they were nervous and crumbled.

"Ousmane needs time to settle but playing for Barca is like the final exam for a footballer, like doing a Master degree, as only the cream get this chance. He will have had more time and space at Dortmund and Rennes, so now he must use his skill more."

Dembele has managed four assists in nine La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season.