Last Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain achieved an emphatic 3-0 victory over Brest during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout stage playoff. One of the standouts was undoubtedly Ousmane Dembélé, who scored two goals and showcased his remarkable finesse on the field. Yet, rather than bask in the glory of his accomplishments, Dembélé was uncharacteristically sour after the match. Encountering him outside the PSG dressing room, I noticed his lack of enthusiasm—a stark contrast to his impressive personal record of 18 goals in just 12 appearances leading up to this game. His dissatisfaction stemmed from a few missed opportunities during the match, which he openly lamented, expressing that he felt he could have added two more goals to his tally.
Despite the light-hearted ribbing from teammates like Vitinha, Dembélé’s mindset exemplifies a pivotal shift in his mentality as a player. He used to be a carefree winger, primarily focused on assists, but now he carries the weight of expectation to score. His newfound role as a false nine under Luis Enrique’s management has catalyzed this transformation, moving him closer to the goal and placing greater emphasis on finishing, which he now approaches with diligence.
Unprecedented Numbers: Analyzing the Stats
Dembélé’s recent performances offer staggering statistics that are hard to overlook. In just four games over a 15-day span prior to the match against Toulouse, Dembélé netted ten goals—an impressive tally even when compared to the likes of legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during similar stretches in their careers. His prowess continues with 15 goals in nine matches since the start of 2025, demonstrating his consistency as one of the top scorers in Europe.
Remarkably, he notched 18 goals since the beginning of December 2024, showcasing an uptick in scoring that surpasses his entire output for the preceding calendar year. Additionally, he found the net in eight consecutive matches—an achievement only paralleled by a select few in PSG history. This record-breaking form raises the inevitable question: can Dembélé be regarded as the best player in the world right now? This might feel premature to assert, as L’Equipe posed, especially considering the quality of teams he faced. However, it’s pivotal to recognize that without acknowledging the opponent’s caliber, the fact remains that he is performing exceptionally well.
To comprehend Dembélé’s metamorphosis into a goal-scoring machine, it is essential to delve into how he arrived at this stage. Luis Enrique offered insight into a pivotal moment last October when Dembélé did not feature in a match against Arsenal. This absence stemmed from a disagreement with the coach that drew considerable scrutiny. Reflecting on this decision, Enrique has since articulated the value of that experience. It became the catalyst for Dembélé to reevaluate his approach, work harder, and rely on his inherent talent.
In a period that followed, Enrique began utilizing Dembélé more as a false nine, positioning him strategically around the box to increase his scoring opportunities. Realizing that mere talent was insufficient, Dembélé committed to an intense regimen of training that included extra shooting drills and video analysis sessions. His dedication is exemplified in his relentless work ethic, aiming to refine his finishing and transform chances into goals.
At this juncture, the narrative is decidedly all about Ousmane Dembélé, who seems to have reached a new zenith in his footballing journey. While he may not replicate a two-goal performance every week, the trajectory he is on reflects immense hard work that has culminated in success. His teammates and coaching staff recognize the potential he possesses, and although it is uncertain how long he can maintain this level, the current atmosphere at PSG is undeniably electrifying, largely thanks to Dembélé’s contributions.
As we look ahead, the crucial question remains: How will Dembélé navigate the pressures that come with such heightened expectations? If his trajectory continues positively, he could not only secure a place among football’s elite but might even cement his legacy in PSG history with a performance record that dazzles fans and critics alike. The future looks promising for this rejuvenated talent, and the footballing world watches, eager to witness the next chapter in Ousmane Dembélé’s story.
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