Ousmane Dembele not accepting bench role behind a new trident

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On the unpredictability of Ousmane Dembele there’s not a lot more to say. He is a footballer who can exasperate you to your limits but also fill you with wonder, absolute brilliance, and even in pre-season bring a huge smile to your face.

Barca knew they were wandering into uncharted territory with Dembele. A curious character who disconnects from games as easily as he turns them on their head. A difficult player to tame and mould.

After a first season full of unfortunate events, he came closer to his splendour last year. And in the Hard Rock Stadium he drew everyone to their feet.

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Antoine Griezmann’s signing in theory relegates him to the bench, but Dembele is fighting against the idea of a new trident featuring his compatriot, Messi and Suarez.

Dembele got to work a week early and is driving himself to be physically better than before, a surprise for a player with a sometimes distant and detached character.

Neymar’s potential arrival would be difficult for him to take. Should the Brazilian arrive, Dembele would have to leave – either in exchange or elsewhere. But he is putting that noise to one side and doing the best that he can.

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