Matteo Guendouzi, a 25-year-old midfielder with Lazio Rome and the French national team, was asked by L’Equipe to comment on the sparkling form of Ousmane Dembélé, the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker who is his team-mate in Les Bleus.
Guendouzi “a credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”
“What he’s achieved makes him a credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or. He’s always had the potential for it, one of the best players in the world even without the goals, top 3 right now, but now he’s adding the statistics. It just confirms what we’ve been thinking for a very long time. A lot of players are starting to fear him.
On the other hand, in human terms, he’s always been the same, with his joy of living in a group. He’s really a golden guy. When I started out as a pro at Lorient, aged 17, I didn’t know him, but I got a message from him congratulating me after my first start against Nantes (in 2016). He told me I’d do great things and have a great career if I kept going.
Guendouzi “There’s no surprise for me”.
It proves that he’s a natural who reaches out to others. He deserves all this because, on top of that, he’s a guy who works hard in training. It’s no surprise to me.”
It’s hard to argue with Guendouzi, Dembélé seems to have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. Even if it’s not our priority. He’s put in one decisive performance after another, and scored some memorable goals. And PSG are progressing in all competitions, with real hope in the Champions League.
In any case, we can only hope that he will continue in this vein, staying away from the infirmary. It’s a big change in his career, and by no means insignificant. With his greater efficiency and freedom at PSG (and possibly in the French national team), Dembélé has plenty to worry opponents.
He’ll undoubtedly be under particular scrutiny, but it’s hard to completely stop a player who’s so lively and at ease with both feet. In any case, the Parisian striker will undoubtedly continue to pursue his goals in earnest. Both for PSG and the French national team. Let’s hope this leadership role doesn’t dampen his refreshing enthusiasm.
