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Three takeaways from Barcelona’s win over Athletic Bilbao

By Ernesto Hernandez

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of celebrates with Ferran Torres and Sergio Busquets during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou on February 27, 2022 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of celebrates with Ferran Torres and Sergio Busquets during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou on February 27, 2022 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Ousmane Dembele celebrates 2-0 with Pablo Martin Paez Gavi as Frenkie de Jong and Sergino Dest join in. Barcelona would go on to rout Athletic Bilbao 4-0. (Photo by David S. Bustamante / Soccrates / Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele celebrates 2-0 with Pablo Martin Paez Gavi as Frenkie de Jong and Sergino Dest join in. Barcelona would go on to rout Athletic Bilbao 4-0. (Photo by David S. Bustamante / Soccrates / Getty Images) /

Xavi’s confidence in Ousmane Dembele paying off

For the second straight home game, Ousmane Dembele was whistled when he came on as a second-half substitute.

Whether it has any effect on him or not is unknown. He may be using it as motivation to prove his doubters wrong as he had a major impact in the 23 minutes he was on the pitch.

The Frenchman scored Barcelona’s second goal and provided the assist on the other two. So far, the trust that Xavi has in him has paid off. Xavi said he was going to play him regardless of his contract situation and he’s been true to his words.

"“There weren’t many whistles for Ousmane. The fans rule and they can do what they want, but they have to be on our side,” Xavi said. “Ousmane’s a great professional who supports the group and is a good guy in the dressing room. He can make the difference on the pitch. That’s the best Dembele we have seen today. The fans should support him, he’s a professional.” Source: ESPN"

Dembele isn’t letting off-the-pitch issues affect his performance on the pitch and when he plays like that, one can see why his agent is demanding what they are in order to renew.

Almost single-handedly, he put the game to bed for Barcelona who were still only up by a goal when he came into the game.

If he continues playing like he is, he’s only going to feature more prominently. Ultimately, he may end up forcing Barcelona to sit back down at the negotiation table to hammer out an extension.

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