Xavi: Dembele must show mental strength

Former Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez has called on Ousmane Dembele to prove he has the ‘mentality’ to succeed at the Catalan giants.

The Frenchman has struggled in his debut campaign at the Camp Nou, which has been disrupted by injuries, with the Al Sadd midfielder demanding he shows he believes in himself.

“This is the time when we will see if his mentality is sufficient,” Xavi said in an interview with 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 gams 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.”

Tags Ousmane Dembele
La Liga - Club News