Dembele is showing why Barcelona trusted him after Neymar's departure

The French star had a tough time settling in at the Camp Nou in his first season.

Dembele suffered a hamstring injury in September 2017 that saw him remain out of action till January.

Except some flashes of brilliance, Dembele failed to impress Barca management.

Notably, he was only given 5 minutes of game time during the UCL quarter-final against Roma.

Since the start of 2018-19 season, Dembele has started showing why Barcelona were not wrong to pay that big an amount (€145 million) for him.

His Spanish Super Cup goal against Sevilla was the crucial moment from where Dembele started picking up form, this term.

In the league, his solo goal against Valladolid helped solidify three points for Barcelona.

Dembele was the costliest footballer in the history of Camp Nou when he was bought for €145 million as just an eighteen-year-old.

The price tag might have been a huge burden to bear for someone that young.

But with the arrival of Coutinho at €160 million, he doesn't feel that pressure any more and Dembele has been able to concentrate more on his performances.

Camp Nou's leader, Leo Messi, has also started connecting with Dembele during their on-field exploits.

If inside rumors are to be believed, Messi sees immense potential in the teenager and gives him special attention during training.

Messi has also begun playing defense-searing passes with Dembele, while on the attack, and this may cause problems for all defenders across Europe.