Xavi Hernandez wants Ousmane Dembele to stay at FC Barcelona, claims that the Frenchman “could be one of the best players of the world in his position”

Xavi Hernandez wants Ousmane Dembele to stay at FC Barcelona, claims that the Frenchman “could be one of the best players of the world in his position”

In a recent interview, Xavi made it clear that he wants Ousmane Dembele to stay at FC Barcelona. Claiming that Dembele can be “the best player in the world in his position”, the FC Barcelona coach highlighted that the Frenchman is a part of his current project at the Catalan club.

“I’d sign his new contract immediately, no doubt! But we need the numbers to work, it’s a negotiation – same with Araújo that looks almost done, Gavi, Sergi Roberto. I hope he stays. He could be one of the best players of the world in his position,” said Xavi.

FC Barcelona has started to regain its form at the right time under Xavi Hernandez’s coaching. He has been able to bring out the best in his players, with Dembele showing his capability as a valuable right-winger under the Spaniard’s style of play. 

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Dembele’s current contract with FC Barcelona terminates at the end of the 2021-22 season. However, Xavi has made it quite unambiguous to the club’s President, Joan Laporta, that Dembele should stay because he fits in his style of play. Dembele had a tough season before Xavi’s arrival when his stay at Barcelona was in doubt. However, under him, the Frenchman seems to have been reborn, having already given 10 assists in 13 La-Liga matches.

Barcelona’s turnaround after Xavi Hernandez’s arrival as their head coach saves the team from a devastating season

Barcelona manager Xavi
Barcelona manager Xavi

Barcelona was under immense pressure when they failed to qualify for the champions league knockout stages in 2021. They were forced to play in the Europa League after their defeat to Bayern Munich in their last group stage match. It was the initial time for Xavi Hernandez at his former club but he took responsibility for the team. 

Dembele was having tough times at the club with injuries being the main reason. After he recovered from a long knee injury, he was unable to find match fitness but Xavi backed him and now the Frenchman has eight goals assists, and one goal in his last ten matches. 

Players that Xavi has signed in the transfer window include the likes of Aubameyang, Adame Traore, and Ferran Torres. Interestingly, all of them have turned out to be game-changing transfers as FC Barcelona is currently on a 14-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

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