Barcelona 'need' Ousmane Dembele. Well, that's according to his famed teammate Lionel Messi.
The Frenchman has dominated the press following his actions this season. From turning up late to training to being addicted to video games.
Naturally, his future has been subject to intense transfer speculation with reports suggesting Arsenal, among others, are eyeing up a move.
Despite Dembele's off-field mishaps, Ernesto Valverde selected him against Espanyol and he delivered the goods.
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He bagged his sides second goal in superb fashion. Luis Suarez also got on the score-sheet not to mention Lionel Messi who netted two stunning free-kicks.
After securing all three league points in a 4-0 victory, Messi spoke to reporters about Dembele's importance.
"He's very good," Messi said about Dembele following Barcelona's league fixture versus Espanyol.
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"He wants to play, he had a good game, scored a goal and was important.
"We need him," he added.
Assuring words from the captain.
Dembele cost a whopping 拢94 million, and he hasn't quite lived up to his expectation but he's shown glimpses of his talent.
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There's no doubt Dembele is a quality player, but his attitude towards the game hasn't been quite right.
Messi also spoke modestly of his set-piece prowess.
"Well, I try to follow a [free-kick] ritual a bit, trying to do things the same way so that it goes well again," he added.
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"But sometimes I get a lot of free-kicks and I don't put them in.
"I was lucky enough to get two in a row."
Humble. What a bloke.
Featured Image Credit:Topics:聽Football News, Football, Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi
