Jose Enrique has praised Ousmane Dembele for his turnaround at Barcelona and claimed that he can play for Liverpool, as he posted on Instagram.
The former Liverpool left-back posted a stat which showed that Dembele has been involved in the most shots (21) in La Liga after carrying the ball – more than Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr (14).
Enrique added that Dembele has ‘everything’ as a winger and a player who can go both ways when attacking fullbacks.
12 months ago, Dembele’s career was on the floor at the Nou Camp, his contract was running out, he had more injuries than goals and he was on a ridiculously high wage, which wasn’t helping his financially-stricken and debt-ridden club.
It seemed as though his career was coming to an end in Barca colours, but once Dembele stayed on during the January transfer window, added with Xavi’s arrival, it has helped transform the player.
Enrique praised the France international for rising again and shared what he is loving about his game.
“Look at these stats guys, it’s unbelievable,” said Enrique. “Look at Dembele and look at Vinicius Jr, who was one of the best players in the world last season now this season.
“Look at the difference in chances created with the ball when going one-v-one. Dembele, for me, is one of the best at that.
“He can go left or right. He can do exactly the same and you don’t know which way he is going to go. As a former fullback, it would be a nightmare to stop someone like Dembele because he is quick and he can use both feet.
“I am very happy that he recently renewed his contract, then we will see what happens. It looks like he is coming back to his best – he’s up there with the best when he’s in form.
“Hopefully, in the future, he is a player that can play for us (Liverpool). If he stays fit, and he has his mindset right, he is one of the best on everything as a winger.”
DEMBELE’S TURNAROUND
Back in February, Dembele was sitting on just two assists for the 2021/22 La Liga season and with zero goals to his name.
Yet, he ended the campaign with a remarkable 13 assists from 21 La Liga matches, which just goes to show the talent the 25-year-old has in his boots.
Given that Barcelona now have Dembele tied down to a new contract – it runs out in 2024, added with the £100 plus million they paid for his services, then it’s not going to be easy to lure him away from his current position.
More than likely, with what Xavi is building at Barcelona, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is at the club in years to come, rather than possibly heading to the Premier League.
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