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Xavi: 'Ousmane Dembele must believe in himself'

Former Barcelona captain Xavi tells Ousmane Dembele to "believe in himself" as the Frenchman looks to forge a successful career with the Catalan giants.

Former Barcelona captain Xavi has told Ousmane Dembele to "believe in himself" as the Frenchman looks to forge a successful career with the Catalan giants.

Barcelona paid close to £100m to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but the 20-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Camp Nou - managing just one goal since his arrival.

Xavi has said that Dembele needs to be "mentally strong" in order to overcome a difficult settling-in period.

"This is the time when we will see if his mentality is sufficient," Xavi told So Foot. "Now he must convince himself he is a Barcelona player and to believe in himself, to be mentally strong.

"There were numerous times in training when you thoughts players would go on to be legends at the club but when they played in games they were nervous and crumbled.

"Ousmane needs time to settle but playing for Barca is like the final exam for a footballer, like doing a Master degree, as only the cream get this chance. He will have had more time and space at Dortmund and Rennes, so now he must use his skill more."

Dembele has managed four assists in nine La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season.

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring during his side's Champions League group game against Juventus at the Camp Nou on September 12, 2017
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
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11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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