“Better than Benzema” – Barcelona fans believe they have found ‘new Messi’ after draw with Eintracht Frankfurt
Barcelona fans have deemed Ousmane Dembele the 'new Messi' following yet another fine performance by the Frenchman in their 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League.
The 24-year-old dazzled for Barca after coming on as a second-half substitute in a highly contentious encounter and was instrumental in the build-up to Ferran Torres' equalizer in the 65th minute.
Dembele cut inside from the right-flank before threading the ball through to Frenkie de Jong, who played a delightful one-two with Torres, with the latter then finding the finish.
It has been a huge turnaround for Dembele this season. He was set to leave Barcelona in January as contract talks stalled and the club asked him to find a new home. Instead, the 24-year-old winger stuck around and has flourished under Xavi.
His future, however, remains uncertain with contrasting reports over where he will end up come the end of the season when his contract expires.
What is certain, though, is that Blaugrana fans are hugely impressed with their winger at the moment and you can see their reactions to the French international's performance below:
Ousmane Dembélé is the best player at this beautiful institution. He shows it time and time again.
@FCBarcelona take my lunch money and use it for dembeles new contract PLEASE!
Barcelona needs to hold on to Dembele he’s their best player. He has changed this game.👏👏
Ousmane dembele ❌
Ousmane the playmaker 😮💨✅
FUCKING HELL MAN...There's no way Barca dont match Dembele's req's, he's too good how are they gonna let him go
Dembele is carrying this Barca team
Ousmane dembele best player on earth
#SGEFCBDembele to the world. Hello how may I assist you 😂❤️💙#SGEFCB
Fc Barcelona should give dembele whatever he’s demanding for … he’s a proper baller and a game changer 🤞
Better than benzema , who say no 😂 https://t.co/lXMRQxF5rq
@Riddies01 He is the new Messi
What does the future hold for Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele?
Having previously looked certain departing the Camp Nou in the summer, the change in both the player's form and mindset has been remarkable.
The issue of Barcelona meeting the winger's demands still remains, but with performances like tonight's, president Joan Laporta and Xavi will be itching to tie the forward down.
For the Blaugrana this season, Dembele has two goals and 10 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Barca were expecting the Frenchman to join Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer.
There have also been rumors that Liverpool are interested in the former Borussia Dortmund man.
But according to Sky Sports, Barcelona have approached the winger over recommending talks on a new deal.
Dembele has also reportedly told teammates that he wishes to stay in Catalonia (per Forbes) and Barca fans will be urging their club to get the speedy forward's future resolved.