Five reasons why Ousmane Dembele deserves a new contract

The winger is nearing the end of his current deal with FC Barcelona.

Ousmane Dembele has struggled with injuries, its a fact well-known. Since his move to FC Barcelona in 2017 for a fee in the region of €135 million, the Frenchman has only played 119 matches. That is clearly not enough games in a space of four years for a player of his quality. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France is reaching the last stages of his contract with the La Liga giants.

Dembele’s current deal ends in July 2022 and there is an indication that the Catalans are interested in giving him an extension. The arrival of Xavi as the new manager is a great boost for the club and will perhaps stabilize the chaotic situation. In fact, the Barcelona legend himself has stated that giving him a new contract is one of his top priorities.

As for Dembele, it could spell the beginning of a fresh start. He is currently nursing a hamstring injury which will keep him out for a couple of months but he will make a strong comeback. The 24-year-old has a point to prove and still has immense potential to fulfill. Keeping his qualities in consideration, here are five reasons why he deserves a new contract at FC Barcelona.

5. One of the most promising talents in Europe

Ousmane Dembele was a sensation during his stint with Borussia Dortmund back in the Bundesliga. He scored 10 goals and made 20 assists in 50 appearances for them. In addition to his attacking output, his speed and dribbling capabilities were particularly impressive. He played with determination and was set for big things in his future.

FC Barcelona took notice of his potential and paid €135 million for a 20-year-old player. The deal made Dembele the third costliest transfer in the world, joint with fellow teammate Phillipe Coutinho. Four years since, the world has not seen enough of Dembele, but he has shown his class in small flashes. One cannot deny that he is still a massive talent and has the potential to be one of the best players in Europe.

4. Unlucky with injuries

Injuries are part and parcel of football. They can come when least expected. Some footballers are fortunate and some are not, as injuries are usually out of one’s control. This is especially true for attackers who frequently get tackled by defenders, injuries are a common occurrence. But for Ousmane Dembele, the real problems lie with too many muscle injuries. 

The winger has been extremely unlucky with many muscle injury issues such as knee ligament and hamstring injuries. These issues take long to recuperate from which has kept Dembele out of action. The medical team at Barcelona are trying their best and there is a feeling Dembele will come back in a much better physical state. Once he is back, the Frenchman will be vital to the club’s rebuild and for that he deserves a new contract.

3. Hope for the future

FC Barcelona are undergoing a major transitional phase. Lionel Messi has left the club, a fact which still takes a few seconds to grasp. The La Liga outfit are still reeling from his absence and struggling with financial issues. They recently parted ways with Ronald Koeman who could not deliver good results, or good performances for that matter.

However, Xavi’s arrival as manager from Qatari club Al Sadd SC feels like a step in the right direction. Ousmane Dembele is one of those players in the squad who can spearhead the rebuild. Its a matter of becoming fit, because there are no doubts about his quality. The 24-year-old has many years to offer to the club and will play a crucial role in their success. 

2. Excellent when fit and in demand

As aforementioned, Ousmane Dembele is one of the most promising players in Europe. He has breathtaking pace and dribbling ability. The winger can shoot from distance and also possess a calm mind in precise finishing. His crosses are pinpoint and the player is a tireless worker off the ball. All these qualities make Dembele an exceptional player for his position.

Dembele could slot in on the right-wing with Ansu Fati on the left-flank and Memphis Depay through the middle. This makes for an exceptional trio in attack which can lead the line for years to come. The club cannot lose a player like Dembele for free with several clubs looking at him as a potential signing. He should get a new contract so that either the club can use him effectively or sell him to get a return on their initial investment. 

1. Support from Xavi 

https://twitter.com/KhelNowWF/status/1458041683581411336

Xavi is a club legend at FC Barcelona. The Spaniard is adored by the fans and has come in as the manager to steady a sinking ship. He spent all of his career at FC Barcelona, coming through the famous La Masia academy before retiring post a small spell as a player with Al Sadd. He was in a managerial role at the Qatari club and won seven trophies with them.

Now, he is the manager at FC Barcelona, a completely different challenge. In the early exchanges since his appointment, Xavi has indicated that he would like to work with Ousmane Dembele. He even said that the Frenchman has the potential to become the best player in the world in his position. The club is looking to offer him an extension. This support from the new manager could work wonders for Dembele’s psychological state. He deserves a new contract and Xavi’s support for the player justifies it further.

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