Xavi has shown faith in the different Ousmane Dembele and Miralem Pjanic to play important roles for his side, following Barcelona s 2-2 draw with Juventus on Tuesday.
Pjanic made a strong first appearance for the pre-season while Dembele scored a poised brace and performed well despite the result, reflecting the confidence shown in him since Xavi took over as Barcelona s head coach last November.
The 25-year-old s first of the night was a particularly impressive solo action, showing his trademark dexterity on a mazy dribble, wriggling his way past three Juve defenders before finishing from an acute angle.
The Barca boss demanded more consistency from the France international post-match, but is buoyed by both his talent and new-found enthusiasm after extending his contract.
He has shown what he is capable of, making a difference from the right wing with one-on-two actions, Xavi said afterwards. He is a different player, special and he gives us a lot.
A movement!!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30)
He has to make a difference, be more consistent, score more goals. I don t know Dembele from before but since I ve arrived, I see him happy and he always tells me that he s involved in the project. I see him like that since November, that s why I insisted so much on to stay.
The 42-year-old also saved special mention for another polarising figure among Barcelona fans, Miralem Pjanic, who made his first appearance for the club upon returning from a loan spell at Besiktas.
When asked about the midfielder s performance, the similarly cerebral Xavi was effusive in his assessment.
I liked it a lot, Xavi said. He gives us a lot with the ball, he found the interiors very well. He has an exclusive vision of football in general, because there aren t many who see the game like that with their first touch.
He always looks forward, looks very well for the pass to nine. He has played a great game.
