Barcelona return to Champions League action on Tuesday and Ousmane Dembele has full of praises for Barca’s talisman Lionel Messi.
While referring to his strike against Atletico Madrid to equalize at the Wanda, Dembele said “That last minute goal was important. I wasn’t in a good moment and when Messi gave me the ball, I saw Oblak very close to me. I didn’t think, and I scored.”
On Messi he could not stop himself from acknowledge the Argentine brings for the Catalan Giants.
“He’s genius, he makes football easier. I give him the ball and he does incredible things, Dembele said.
“When he’s on the pitch it’s easier of the forwards because opponents focus on him. He gives us great ball and leaves us in great places.”
The two forwards have sparked a successful connection up front during the latter’s second season at Camp Nou, netting 43 goals between them in all competitions with the 21-year old arguably now filled the gap left by Neymar, after the Brazilian departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 in a desired attempt to break free of Messi’s shadow.
Dembele, in contrast however, is more than happy for his captain to occupy the burden of responsibility against teams.
With limitless potential combined with a massive price tag, Barcelona fans expect the youngster to make more of an impact, which is something Dembele himself has set out to do.
The French international feels important at Barcelona. The forward has overcome his tough times and has earned his spot with goals and good showings.
“I’m doing well. I started being decisive at the start of the season. In November I had a spell more on the bench but that’s normal because during a season there are always difficult moments,” he told Barca Official website.
Both Messi and Dembele will likely have major roles to play for Ernesto Valverde’s side when the Blaugrana visit Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.