José Felix Diaz, editor of the daily newspaper AS and a Ballon d’Or juror, was invited by L’Équipe to discuss what makes Désiré Doué—the 21-year-old midfielder/forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team—stand out.
“He is a player who is incredibly popular because he is spectacular and possesses an extraordinary level of class. He doesn’t just score goals; he makes a decisive impact—something only a select few are capable of doing.”
At times, Doué leans a bit too heavily into dribbling and individual heroics. He possesses immense qualities, and he needs to put them to use—though he must also find the right balance. It is only natural for a player of his age to still have room for improvement, so there is no cause for concern.
Moreover, as Diaz points out, the PSG player knows how to be decisive—and not just by providing assists or scoring goals in matches that are already well in hand. The number 14 has turned the tide during difficult moments, both in the league and in the Champions League. That is the hallmark of the very best. In fact, PSG always wins when he scores. It is a pity that some reduce this player to mere dribbling or showboating—even if those traits are indeed part of what makes him such an admirable player.
