Another thing, blaming Messi for the most dead brain shit. Messi didn't struggle to create defense splitting passes, but the excuse there is that the team was built around him ok.
But what about Rakitic? He was constantly making some really good passes while he was here.
So was Jordi Alba
So was Busquets.
And Suarez and Messi were constantly getting in behind those passes.
Suarez and mess were already walking around and slowing down when Neymar was here...
And yet Neymar created constantly without issues.
Why? Because he understood how to create through off the ball movement. I'm not talking about running behind the defense, I'm talking about moving in between the lines and in half spaces, taking part in build up play through exquisite short passing.
Dembele couldn't and STILL doesn't do that because he doesn't have the intelligence. He can't partake in build up play normally because his short passing is awful. His understanding of movement in half spaces is awful so he's relegated to sitting I. The sidelines waiting for the ball so he can sprint and cross.
The guy has tremendous striking ability of the ball and he barely scores.
Why? Because he doesn't understand how to get into goal scoring situations, and even when he rarely does, he doesn't have the composure and intelligence for proper shot placement. There are centre backs in this team with a better understanding of how to shoot the ball in the box.
Dembele can only dribble when he's sprinting, he can't dribble utilizing skills and technique like real forwards do on a regular basis.
Once again, this team was already slow when Neymar was here. And yet Neymar was constantly dribbling and creating, not just in counter attacks but in low blocks as well
Dembele can't do this, because he doesn't have the technique.
Once again, what does this have to do with Messi?
It's not Messi's fault Dembeles only useful when him and the entire team sprinting.
It's the fault of his own limitations in technique and decision making.
Messi's play style was holding the team back yes, but he was not at fault for Dembeles own limitations. Sorry.