Where does Ousmane Dembélé fit in at Barça now everyone is available?

Where does Ousmane Dembélé fit in at Barça now everyone is available?

Dembélé, en una imagen de archivo
Dembélé, en una imagen de archivo | AFP

With the first choice attacking trio ready to start soon, what will the French winger's role be now?

Ousmane Dembele's name always seems tied to debate and controversy ever since he arrived at the club. The French winger joined in the aftermath of Neymar's unexpected departure to PSG. Barça originally wanted Coutinho, who would arrive a few months later, but after Liverpool refused to negotiate it forced the club into spending more than they would have liked for Dembele. 

A TOUGH START, BUT WITH REASON TO BE HOPEFUL

Dembele was a rough diamond and in his first season he spent a lot of it on the treatment table, making it hard for the youngster to establish himself at the Camp Nou. In his second campaign there was a lot to get excited about. The raw talent on show captured the imagination of Barça supporters. However this was offset by problems away from the football pitch. The injuries didn't disappear either but his conduct, which many deemed unprofessional, didn't help him earn the respect of his teammates and caused concern amongst the fan base.

It hasn't been easy for Dembele this summer. His name was publicly mentioned as a makeweight in a potential deal for Neymar. This can't have been easy after he returned to preseason training ahead of schedule so he could make a good impression. He looked great throughout preseason, happier too alongside Griezmann. This was to be his season.

EVERYTHING IS BEGINNING TO UNWIND...

Yet all that positivity vanished at the conclusion of the LaLiga opener against Athletic Club. Dembele finished the match in some discomfort but didn't tell anybody. He was given permission to travel and visit his family but when he returned, the injury was confirmed. He would be out for at least a  month. Question marks surrounded his attitude and professionalism as he failed to inform the medical team he was in pain. This meant there wasn't any widespread anger from supporters when Dembele was mentioned as a player going the opposite way in a deal for Neymar.

Now that option is off the table, Ousmane finds himself in the role of fourth forward. Ansu Fati and Carles Perez have both grasped their chances in the first team so it might be even harder for the French winger to get playing time. What remains to be seen is how he reacts to that role, how he slots back into the dressing room and if he can use this moment as a point of reflection. Dembele is once again on the outside of the first XI and will need to work hard to regain his spot in the team.

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