Didier Deschamps, coach of France’s national team, spoke to L’Equipe about the excellent form of Ousmane Dembélé, the 27-year-old striker for Paris Saint-Germain and Les Bleus, and the fact that he has been repositioned in the center of the park.
Deschamps “We must never forget this aspect of him.”
“How would you assess Ousmane Dembélé’s current efficiency?
That was his biggest area for improvement. And given his potential, it’s no surprise. It’s linked to his repositioning, but we mustn’t forget that Ousmane has always been very skilful in front of goal during training sessions and end-of-training exercises. And with both feet. We must never forget this aspect of his game.
His dribbling game, on one side, requires a lot of effort. Particularly muscular. He’s not always as fresh afterwards. Right now, he’s playing in a dominant team, close to the surface. When he’s higher up, he’s the finisher. I think he feels the shots really well. He positions himself well. And he’s efficient.
Deschamps “Ousmane doesn’t have the characteristics of an axial striker”.
Could this move to PSG prompt you to think about a change in his position in the French national team?
I’m going to say neither yes nor no (smile). It’s a question of thinking about the whole offensive game. What I can tell you is that he’s not a number 9. Ousmane doesn’t have the characteristics of an axial striker.
But I know what he can do and what he can bring to the table. If he had been with us in November (injured, he had to withdraw for the matches against Israel and Italy in the Nations League), for example, I would have positioned him differently than usual.”
Indeed, there are positive points to seeing Dembélé in the center of the park. Maybe he doesn’t have to tire himself out as much on the run. Even if PSG’s game means he still has a lot of work to do, since he plays a huge part in the game and in pressing. There are also permutations.
But, as Dembélé pointed out, he’s often quicker to the goal after accelerating or dribbling. This can help him to be more lucid. The striker has also clearly gained in serenity when it comes to finishing. This is a credit to coach Luis Enrique, as well as to the player himself, who has worked hard to take his game to the next level.
Mind you, the Parisian No.10 can of course still play on the flank. He’s brought a lot to the table, it’s not all about goals, and he can score as a winger. Confidence is bound to help. In any case, he’s an interesting attacking option for both PSG and Les Bleus. With a role that can evolve according to his team-mates and opponents.
