Speaking at a press conference with the French national team, Lucas Hernandez, 30, defender for Paris Saint-Germain, offered several insightful observations on his attacking teammates. Between PSG and the French national team, his perspective sheds light on each player’s role.
Hernandez said, “He’s an extraordinary player who will be a great asset to us with the French national team.”
“At PSG, Ousmane is a huge asset to us. In Paris, the coach gives him complete freedom; it’s up to him to find solutions… I’m always with him, both at club and international level. With the national team, he doesn’t have the same freedom he has at club level, but he’s an extraordinary player who will be a great asset to us with the French national team.”
This initial analysis highlights how important the team dynamic is for Dembélé. At PSG, Luis Enrique has created a framework that allows his individual brilliance to flourish without disrupting the team’s balance. With the national team, the challenge is different: quickly regaining that freedom while respecting a structure that requires less work.
Hernandez: “I’m lucky to play with both of these players at club level.”
“The difference between Barcola and Doué?
I’m lucky to play with both of these players at club level. Désiré is more of a technical player who can take on defenders one-on-one at any moment, and Bradley is more of a player who makes runs in behind the defense with a speed that makes my training sessions a struggle. All our forwards have enormous and extraordinary quality.”
The comparison is interesting because it says a lot about PSG’s evolution. Paris doesn’t just have fast wingers, but several profiles capable of responding to different situations. For Les Bleus, this variety is invaluable: Doué can hold up the ball and create chances, Barcola can stretch the defense and punish defenders.
Hernandez: “Every two weeks at PSG, we talk to Kylian on the phone.”
“The relationship between Mbappé and Dembélé?
They spend all their time together, even at the table, they’re always joking around. They’re two players I really like. They’re very close. Every two weeks at PSG, we talk to Kylian on the phone.”
This last point is a reminder that automatic understanding isn’t solely forged in training. Between Dembélé and Mbappé, there’s a long-standing affinity, both personal and professional. In an international competition, this kind of connection can make all the difference with a burst of speed, an instinctive pass, or a poorly planned but perfectly executed play.
