Arturo Vidal looking after Ousmane Dembele at Barca
The Chilean midfielder is playing a part in the rescue operation for Dembele
Barça are determined to use all their resources to get Ousmane Dembélé to play at his best level he tries to fit into life at Camp Nou; and this includes his team-mates, including Arturo Vidal.
'King Arthur' has shown throughout his long career, since he left Colo Colo in Chile as a 20-year-old, his ability to adapt to different football habitats. Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Bayern Munich were his homes before reaching the Camp Nou. Hard and ultra-competitive on the pitch, but in the dressing room he is known for his ability to integrate.
Maybe that's why Arturo Vidal seems one of the most involved in getting Dembélé to find his place. After the crisis and the criticism of the last week, within the club itself there have been voices asking for patience and understanding for El Mosquito. And one of the most resounding has been the Chilean midfielder.
"Sometimes there is a lot of talk about what happens off the pitch and not on it. He is young and needs love and advice," Vidal said ahead of the PSV clash, saying that Dembele “is helped a lot” so he can gain confidence.
Vidal’s comments contrast with words from Sergio Busquets or Ivan Rakitic, who asked for time for the Frenchman and that the focus should be elsewhere.
Vidal’s involvement in the rescue operation for Dembélé is being backed up by gestures. Both have had to share the bench in some of their most complicated phases of this season. The Chilean showed his anger about being a sub on social media but quickly corrected his mistakes. And maybe he has tuned in with Ousmane, who has also been in trouble for indiscipline.
From that common point of rebellion, tempered in Vidal over the years, the ex-Juventus star seems to assume a certain point of guidance for Dembélé, with whom he was speaking on the pitch and in the tunnel at the Philips Stadiun, correcting and supporting him. The two had a lot at stake because they want to consolidate their places in the starting lineup of a club where it’s hard to make that happen.
