Barcelona legend Xavi has defended Ousmane Dembele over his first season at the Nou Camp.

Dembele scored just four goals in all competitions, the Frenchman also spent a couple of months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

"He came to the club with a lot of pressure and he needed time to mature," Xavi told Journal du Dimanche.

"[Playing for] Barcelona is a very demanding challenge for a young footballer but, from what my former colleagues say, he has potential.

"His humility and his desire to work play to his advantage."