Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski continues to wait for his first goal as a Barcelona player, with his second start for his new club overshadowed by teammate Ousmane Dembele.
Lewandowski started against Juventus in Dallas, as did fellow new arrivals Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen. However, it was Dembele - who left it late to agree new terms with the Catalan club - who stole the show with both Barca goals in a 2-2 draw.
The game was also notable for Xavi using Frenkie de Jong in central defence. The Dutch midfielder was used at the back in a friendly against Real Madrid, following warnings from the manager that he might do such a thing, and the same thing happened in Texas as the former Ajax star replaced Eric Garcia for the second period.
Dembele, who led the way for assists in La Liga last season, had been linked with a Premier League switch as his contract neared expiry. However, he has been backed by Xavi after opting to stay put, scoring two goals in the first half, only for Moise Kean to respond with a pair of equalisers.
"He has shown what he is capable of. He is different, special. There are not many of this type," Xavi said of the Frenchman. "He gives us a lot with the way we play.
"Not everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world of soccer and he does. He is involved and he shows it. I don't know the Dembele from before November, I don't know him. I am very happy with this one."
Will Frenkie de Jong leave Barcelona this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Manchester United target De Jong is not the first central midfielder to be used at centre-back by Barcelona. Yaya Toure occupied the position during Xavi's playing days, while Javier Mascherano was converted to a defensive starter while at Camp Nou.
"Frenkie? I don't send messages. I spoke with him. I like him a lot," Barcelona's manager said after the Real Madrid game.
"For me, he is a fundamental footballer but there is also the economic situation and fair play. He can bring us a lot as a centre-back. I like him in that position."
There have been efforts from Barcelona to convince De Jong to reduce his salary (thought to be the "economic situation" alluded to), with the former Ajax man among the highest earners at Camp Nou. The move has seen Dutch players' union VVCS step in to call the actions into question.
Pundit Gary Neville also made his feelings known, calling for FIFPro to intervene." De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him!" Neville tweeted. "A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach."
