Valverde: |Another step forward for Dembele

Ernesto Valverde took time out to praise Ousmane Dembele after his performance during Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Malaga on Saturday.

The Frenchman put in a strong showing and notched an assist as he set up Philippe Coutinho beautifully for Barca’s second goal of the game.

“The thing about Dembele is that he always tries, he has a place here,” Valverde said.

”He’s a player who needs time, he’s young and had injuries, there is pressure on him.

”Today is yet another step forward for him.”

Source | Marca

Coutinho also spoke about Dembele and thanked him for his cross as the Brazilian scored his third Barcelona goal with a neat flick at the near post.

He said: “Dembele is a great player and against Malaga he proved it. His cross was perfect.”

Source | Marca

Dembele will be hoping he has done enough to start Wednesday’s Champions League game against Chelsea at Camp Nou, Coutinho will miss out as he is cup-tied.