What we learned from Barcelona’s draw against Napoli

Ousmane Dembele changed the game when brought on

Ousmane Dembele played at the Camp Nou for the first time since the close of the transfer window. The reception he got as he entered the game was as expected.

Those in attendance booed and whistled when his name was announced as well as the first couple of times he got the ball.

To his credit, he turned those jeers into applause as he was explosive on the right and played a part in creating some of the opportunities Barcelona failed to convert.

Xavi hopes it’s the last time he hears those whistles and everyone can move on.

"“Fans have not paid attention to me, but in the end [whistles] have turned into applause,” Xavi said after the duel. “We have already whistled at him and that’s it, it’s over. The news is that the whistles have turned into applause.” Source: Marca"

If Dembele plays like how he played against Napoli, the majority of Barcelona supporters are going to have no other choice but to stop booing him. The thing though is those types of performances from the French forward have been few and far between.

But when he’s on, he shows what he is capable of and it’s something Barcelona simply don’t have with any of their forwards — perhaps with the slight exception of Traore.

Barcelona play Valencia next in LaLiga as they fight to stay in the top four race. Dembele may start if Xavi does some rotation up front. If he does well, it is not out of the realm of possibility he also starts in Italy.

His unpredictability is a blessing and a curse but if he can stay somewhat consistent, Dembele is going to be a significant factor for Barcelona, both getting past Napoli in the Europe League and finishing in Champions League places come the end of the season.