The metamorphosis and growth of Ousmane Dembélé

Throughout his first five seasons in FC Barcelona, one barely saw Ousmane Dembélé at the press box. Embroiled in controversy, both on and off the field, from day one, the club wisely chose not to expose him to the press. Dembélé was a rare sight in front of a microphone, even less so in the past season when he was negotiating a contract renewal where the story went from strange to bizarre.

Ousmane, however, has seemingly decided to channel all his emotions onto the field. He can be accused of a lack of intensity and even commitment in the past, but his body language has changed since Xavi's arrival. With the Terrassa coach at the helm, he is running and defending harder in recent months than in his previous years. What Valverde, Setién and Koeman failed to achieve, Xavi has.

If Dembélé maintains this form and intensity, a lot of the credit goes to Xavi Hernández. He insisted to the club to be patient and not throw in the towel in their bid to retain him. Alemany and company have put a lot of effort, into the long negotiations over the last half year. Dembélé was benched for a few matches, and when it seemed that the pressure would take its toll on Xavi, he gambled on the winger and got his rewards.

The past is now water under the bridge. The player spoke more in the press over the last 10 days than in the previous four and a half years combined and was behind the microphone both in his presentation and in the post-match against Juventus. He wants to give everything and achieve important things, the French player clarified while speaking in Spanish, a clear sign of his love for the city.

And, more importantly, he is beginning to get back to his best on the pitch. Cheeky, unpredictable, brilliant, with an aspect of anarchy that thrills. With two great goals against the Vecchia Signora, he is no doubt charged up, and will be a huge asset for Xavi.