This could finally be Ousmane Dembele's year at FC Barcelona

This could finally be Ousmane Dembele's year at FC Barcelona

 Dembélé y Todibo han adelantado la vuelta al trabajo y ya entrenan en la Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper / | FCBarcelona

The French winger has shown throughout preseason that he's ready to take the next step in his career

FC Barcelona need to see the best side of Ousmane Dembele this season. No one can question his incredible performances on the pitch but sometimes, off it, he's generated just as much headlines if not more. After his first season which was ruined by injury, then his second which had plenty of highs and lows, should mean Dembele is ready to explode onto the scene this year.

There's added competition in the attacking line after his friend, Antoine Griezmann, joined the club but it's clear that he's will ahead of Coutinho in the pecking order. The arrival of Griezmann has made Ousmane much happier on and off the pitch which can only benefit the team. 

Dembele has improved throughout preseason and ended the summer as one of the star performers. Lionel Messi's unfortunate injury means that Dembele could have a greater amount of playing time at the start of the season. He shone alongside Luis Suarez and Griezmann in both matches against Napoli during the United States tour. He pace, unpredictability, dribbling, assists and goalscoring threat was all on show. Dembele looks like a new signing and this could be the chance for him to stamp his own authority on this team.

The winger has shown a great understanding with Suarez and Griezmann but also with Nelson Semedo down the right. If he needs to adapt to playing on the left, that won't be an issue, as he caused Napoli plenty of problems on that side too.

The early signs are that Dembele is ready to spoil Valverde's plan of playing Griezmann, Suarez and Messi as his first choice attacking trio. Ousmane came back from his holiday earlier than usual, alongside Todibo, to ensure he was ready to start this season on the right foot. There's also a significant difference in how involved Dembele has been with the group. The winger feels now is the time to show the world what he's capable of. He wants to take greater care of his body to avoid injuries, has changed his diet and is crucially getting more rest. He's learnt from his past mistakes.

Supporters are equally excited to see the best of Dembele. He offers something no one else in the attack can and, if used right, could make the difference in those difficult matches. He gets everyone up on their feet.

This might finally be Dembele's year at Barça.

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