Now's a good time for Dembele to take a step forward
Valverde wants him to have a more important role from now on
Starting with Girona, the France forward could get a run of games
Ousmane Dembélé is a reason for concern for Barcelona to the point that the coach, Ernesto Valverde, has publicly suggested he's not ready just yet. "He has to take a step forward," he said after the Eibar game and then he said the Chelsea game in the Champions League "was not a game for experiments." Never has Valverde been so strong with a player during the current season, a gesture which has led to worries about the French player's adaption.
THE PLAN TO RECOVER HIM
Valverde didn't want to use him in London as he would have been made to suffer against defence composed of eight defenders. It was not the moment for Dembele. It's from now that the coach is thinking about giving him more importance, a chance to shine, gain confidence and join the cause. Against a rival that plays in a more open manner, like Girona, with more space at Camp Nou. He could start the 'new derby'.
And it's not just Girona. The games that Barcelona have coming up could give Dembele the chance to prove himself after an injury-plagued start to life at Camp Nou. Before Chelsea visit Camp Nou, the schedule is favourable: Girona, Las Palmas, Atletico, Super Cup against Espanyol and Malaga. They are games in which the player can take that "step forward" that everyone at the club is hoping for. His pace and trickery could be key in the final phase of the season.
