Ousmane Dembele can do the same things as Pele, Cruyff and Maradona, says Xavi

Xavi has been talking about Ousmane Dembele and has lavished praised on the young Frenchman.

The forward is currently at the World Cup with France after a tough first season at Barcelona following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund.

Dembele was hampered by injury but did show some flashes of what he is capable of, and Xavi says he can be as good as some of the greats of the game.

“He came to the club with a lot of pressure, when he needed time to mature,” he said.

“Barca are a very demanding challenge for a young player but have potential. His humility and desire to work hard play in his favour.

“He does the same things as Di Stefano, Pele, Cruyff, Maradona or Zidane at a time when the game doesn’t give you as much time to think as before.”

Source | Journal Du Dimanche (via Football Espana)

It’s high praise indeed from Xavi for Dembele who is next in action on Thursday when France take on Peru.