Barcelona are sharpening their tools while waiting to learn about their Copa del Rey semi-final opponents. But their sharpest weapon is ready to go right now. Ousmane Dembele has been praised in the Spanish press for his immense performance and the winning goal in the win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday night. Head coach Xavi continues to bring the best out of the French winger and must have felt like a proud father when thousands of fans chanted Dembele’s name at Camp Nou.’Dembele is at the level of the best Neymar’Dembele tormented the Basque defence with his runs, cuts, overflows, blistering speed, crosses and shots on goal. He did not stop trying to make a difference in attack, although he also showed solidarity with Jules Kounde, who was playing behind him at right-back. The French duo combined well in both defensive and offensive tasks, forming a formidable partnership. It was Kounde who provided Dembele with an assist 52 minutes in.With this goal, the Frenchman, who received an ovation when Xavi replaced him in the 84th minute, already has eight this season – plus seven assists in 26 games. The numbers are encouraging for the Barca fans because the former Borussia Dortmund is starting to look like the player they paid €140 million for.Last season, he scored two goals and provided 13 assists. In the 2020/21 campaign, he had 11 goals and five assists. The season before that, he only scored once. His best record as a Barca player dates from the 2018/19 season, his second at Camp Nou when he got 17 goals and eight assists in 42 games. In his first campaign, he scored four goals and gave away nine.##NAJAVA_MECA_6972114####NAJAVA_MECA_6972108##Speaking about his status at Barcelona last September, the 25-year-old admitted he’s back to enjoying football.”I’m happy, enjoying myself. That makes a huge difference to the team and to me. I don’t want to praise myself too much, but my ability one-on-one is at the same level as Neymar.”Xavi, who had stuck with Dembele when he was booed and questioned by his own fans, is now reaping the rewards.”He’s a dagger. I see him happy and in superb condition. He’s one of the best in his position in the world. I’m very happy for him. We have given him confidence. I greatly believe in him, and I’m happy to see his form is extraordinary.”Ousmane Dembele vs. Real Sociedad pic.twitter.com/3arjtybWqS— 🪫 ً (@hxroon7i) January 25, 2023 Real Sociedad’s head coach Imanol Alguacil summed up Dembele’s current form the best in the wake of his team’s defeat.”If you give him half a meter of space – you’re screwed.”COPA DEL REYQuarter-finalsWednesdayBarcelona – Sociedad 1-0 (0-0)/Dembele 52/23.55: (2.45) Osasuna (3.05) Sevilla (3.15)Thursday22.00: (2.80) Valencia (3.05) Ath.Bilbao (2.70)23.00: (1.92) Real Madrid (3.50) Atl.Madrid (4.10)***odds are subject to change
