Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona start overshadowed as Xavi backs up Frenkie de Jong warning, as the Dutch star failed to make a final decision.
The new addition to Barcelona When Xavi’s team faced Juventus in preseason, Robert Lewandowski started up front, but in the United States, another of Xavi’s teammates grabbed the spotlight.
Robert Lewandowski, a striker for Barcelona, is still waiting to get his first goal for the club, and teammate Ousmane Dembele overshadowed his second start for the club.
Lewandowski, along with other recent additions Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, started the match against Juventus in Dallas. However, Dembele stole the show with both of Barcelona’s goals in a 2-2 draw after waiting too long to agree to fresh terms with the Catalan club.
The use of Frenkie de Jong in central defense by Xavi during the game was also noteworthy. Following manager cautions that he might play the midfielder at the back against Real Madrid in a friendly, the same thing happened in Texas when the former Ajax star replaced Eric Garcia for the second half.
As his contract was about to expire, Dembele, who led La Liga in assists the previous season, had been linked with a move to the Premier League. He chose to remain in the game and scored two goals in the first half, but Moise Kean responded with two equalizers, earning him Xavi’s support.
“He has demonstrated his abilities. He is unique and exceptional. There are not many people of this kind, according to Xavi. He generously contributes to the way we play.
“He does, and not everyone can make a difference in the world of soccer. He is engaged and demonstrates it. The Dembele from before November is someone I don’t know. I’m thrilled with this one.
Will De Jong join Man Utd?
De Jong, who is a target for Manchester United, is not Barcelona’s first central midfielder to play center-back. During Xavi’s playing career, Yaya Toure held the position, and at Camp Nou, Javier Mascherano was transformed into a defensive starter.
“Frenkie? I don’t text anyone. I talked to him. I really enjoy him, “Following the Real Madrid match, Barcelona’s manager commented.
“He is a fundamental football player in my opinion, but there are other factors, such as the economy and fair play. He has a lot to offer as a center-back. He’s good there, in my opinion.”
Barcelona has made attempts to persuade De Jong to lower his wage (considered to be the “economic problem” alluded to”) despite the fact that the former Ajax player is one of the highest-paid players at Camp Nou. The Dutch players’ union VVCS intervened and questioned the decision.
Pundit Gary Neville expressed his concerns and asked FIFPro to step in. “De Jong should think about filing a lawsuit against Barcelona, and all players should support him!” Tweets from Neville. “A club breaking the law” if it spends a lot of money on new players but fails to fulfill its contractual obligations to players already under contract.
