WATCH: Lionel Messi applauds Ousmane Dembele in training

Ousmane Dembele drew applause from Lionel Messi in training on Thursday after the French international managed a cheeky nutmeg on Jordi Alba.

Messi was so impressed that he actually called a halt to the session to congratulate the 20-year-old on his piece of skill. Check it out:

Dembele’s had a pretty tough time since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund. Injuries have wrecked his season so far and he looked pretty short of confidence on his last outing.

Hopefully Messi’s vote of confidence will help boost Dembele, and if he could find his best form it would be a massive boost for Barcelona going into the business end of the season.

Dembele will be hoping to get some more game time on Saturday, with Girona the next visitors to the Camp Nou.