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There are reportedly concerns at Barcelona about the lifestyle being led by summer signing Ousmane Dembele.
It has been claimed by Cadena SER program El Larguero (h/t AS), that Dembele is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow in Catalonia following his switch from Borussia Dortmund.
It was reported that Dembele’s diet is heavy on fast food, something that’s not aided his susceptibility to injuries in his first year at the Camp Nou. It’s also noted the France international is indulging in the Barcelona nightlife.
Dembele is having trouble integrating himself into the squad despite the presence of compatriots Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne.
Additionally, Dembele riled some at the Camp Nou with a lackadaisical warm-up on the sidelines on Sunday in the clash with Atletico Madrid. The 20-year-old was static instead of preparing for a potential introduction.
The Guardian‘s Sid Lowe and Spanish football expert Graham Hunter differed on whether or not Dembele should’ve been introduced into the game:
Graham Hunter@BumperGraham
? The Dembele they wish they’d bought, maybe. The Barça illiterate version they actually have?? NFC! They were playing ‘all in’ poker, he’s learning snap https://t.co/p0FywZ3yny
After making a move in the summer worth a potential £135.5 million, it’s not been the best start to life at his new club for the former Dortmund man.
In September the winger suffered an injury that ruled him out for four months. Since his return he’s suffered more niggles, while the arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in the January transfer window has made competition for places even more fierce.
As such, Dembele has only started three games in La Liga this term and has yet to score a goal in the top flight. And while there will be plenty of Barcelona supporters keen to see more of such an exciting prospect, so far manager Ernesto Valverde has got a lot right at Barca, as noted by Grup14’s Rafael Hernandez :
Rafael Hernández@RafaelH117
André Gomes wasn’t half as poor as people wanted him to be. Dembélé made more sense but the coach didn’t trust him for this match, and considering what Valverde has shown so far, I’ll give him the benefit of doubt.
Dembele may be having a testing beginning to life in La Liga, but he’s not a player to be written off yet.
After all, his ascension in the game has been extraordinary. After moving to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016, it was clear he had potential, although few would’ve expected him to become one of the world’s most expensive players so soon.
The forward admitted recently that playing for such a huge club represents something of a shock:
B/R Football@brfootball
Ousmane Dembele knows ?? https://t.co/TwD14IcMj0
Barcelona may not see the best of Dembele yet, especially if he is finding it tough to settle at his new club. However, with the Blaugrana still in the hunt for three trophies this season, the Frenchman will surely have a role to play.
Dembele showcased speed, skill and smart decision-making on a consistent basis during his time at Dortmund, making him one of the most talked-about young players in world football. Provided he acclimates and refocuses, the youngster may yet be worth the massive outlay Barcelona parted with to get him on board.
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