'He's different, special' - Ousmane Dembele praised by Barcelona boss Xavi after display against Juventus

Barcelona boss Xavi hailed Ousmane Dembele as «special» after the France winger scored two goals against Juventus on Tuesday night. Dembele's future had been up in the air for some time earlier this year following efforts to move him on from the Nou Camp, and his contract expired on June 30 with little sign of a resolution. Ad/> But the 25-year-old finally signed a new deal on July 14 — running until 2024 — and with Xavi's belief coursing through his veins, Dembele seems to already be operating on a different plane in the nascent part of this season.

Liga'We will see' — Xavi open to Messi returning to BarcelonaYESTERDAY AT 09:08 Following the encounter between Juve and Barcelona at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas where both clubs are on pre-season — and which saw Dembele's two strikes cancelled out by a double from Juve's Moise Kean — Xavi said: «He [Dembele] has shown what he is capable of. »He is different, special. There are not many of this type.

He gives us a lot with the way we play." «Not everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world of football and he does. He is involved and he shows it. »I don't know the Dembele from before November, I don't know him.

I am very happy with this one." Martinez delighted to join 'perfect club' as Man Utd complete transfer 'His style suits mine' — Eriksen reveals Ten Hag influence behind Man Utd move Dembele so far certainly seems to be backing up his words from his contract ceremony earlier this month. The ex-Dortmund forward said: «I've had difficult years because of injuries but this is another time. My first option was to stay.