Three secrets to Ousmane Dembele’s return to fitness

Ousmane Dembele’s return to prominence in the Barcelona team has been one of the best redemption arcs in the world of football this year.

From being labelled as an outcast, the Frenchman has become the beating heart of the Barcelona attack that has started the season exceptionally well. He was brilliant as the Catalans pummelled Viktoria Plzen 5-1 in their opening Champions League encounter.

Dembele has already registered four assists in all competitions so far this term, thus making him a key component in the Barça frontline.

In light of his redemption, a recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered key insights on the development of Dembele over the past year.

The report stresses the importance of Xavi in Dembele’s redemption. The Barcelona coach had trusted the Frenchman since Day 1 and backed him even when he was disgraced by the club bosses including Mateu Alemany and Joan Laporta.

In return, Xavi has asked Dembele to work on his fitness, progress and training. The player did not disappoint either as there was an instant shift in his attitude. The Frenchman appeared more mature in the dressing room while his performances on the pitch improved tenfold.

In addition to Xavi, another figure key to the redemption of Dembele has been Dr Ricard Pruna, who played a key role in facilitating his operation and offering him emotional support at the player’s worst moments.

Another key contributor to Dembele’s improved fitness and physical conditioning is Carlos Nogueira, a physiotherapist who was hired by Xavi after the pair worked together at Al Sadd in the past.

Nogueira has been working closely with all Barcelona players, especially Dembele, which has helped him stay fit and in shape over the past eight months or so.

Dembele has not played for the French national team in quite a while. But with the forward widely being regarded as one of the most in-form French players in Europe right now, a fabled return to Les Bleus could soon be in the offing, just a few months before the country embarks on the FIFA World Cup journey in Qatar.