Kylian Mbappé, the 26-year-old Real Madrid and French national team striker who spent a long time with Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2024), was asked by L’Equipe to comment on the success of Ousmane Dembélé (27-year-old striker) recently at PSG. This in particular in 9, but above all with an extra asset.
Mbappé “he shouldn’t give himself any limits.”
“Are you surprised by Ousmane Dembélé’s current efficiency with PSG?
No, I’m not surprised. I’m his biggest fan. I’ve known about his qualities since we were 14. I also think he’s had a mental breakthrough which means he’s more relaxed in front of goal. He’s a top player!
How much room for improvement does he have in this position?
His room for improvement also depends on what his coach expects of him in this position. I think he’s doing very well and he’s PSG’s most important attacking player.
How far can he go? Can he hit 30 goals this season?
Given the form he’s in at the moment, there’s no need for him to set any limits, he’s got to keep going like this and he’ll end the year with a lot of watches (*) (laughs).“
Dembélé will no doubt appreciate this support from Mbappé, who refers to the famous bet announced by the Parisian striker with watches to be won at the end. There’s talk of the number of goals he’ll score this season, although he hasn’t given a figure. But we suspect that he’s approaching it quickly, with two hat-tricks in a row.
This, as the Madrid man points out, is thanks in no small part to his new-found calm in front of goal. There were situations where he tended to send in a very powerful but inaccurate shot. Now he’s more in control and more clinical.
If he can maintain this serenity, even in a slightly more complicated period, he could have a huge season. Or even more. His speed, dribbling and positioning skills are far from the limit. And he’s comfortable with both feet.