.jpg)
2 hours ago
5 ARTICLE AD
How far away the time of tensions seems, those mixing Ousmane Dembélé with Luis Enrique. Renowned for his strong choices and his extreme rigor, the Spanish technician did not hesitate to do without the services of the French international (53 caps, 6 goals) for the European clash against Arsenal (0-2). A few weeks later, the former La Roja coach did not hesitate to show his frustration after the double yellow card received by his player against Bayern Munich (0-1). For his part, the former Rennais also lost his patience, no longer refraining from questioning the philosophy developed by the native of Gijón. So many clashes logically questioning the relationship between the two men.
Dembélé frees PSG again
Yes but now, after the storm, the media slaughter but above all a beneficial clarification, calm has returned. Better yet, Parisian number 10 seems, today, more determined than ever to shine. After a more than interesting end to 2024 with a goal against OL on the 15th day of Ligue 1 and a double against AS Monaco in the process, Dembélé decided to start again on the same basis. Hero of his team against the Asemists last weekend during the Champions Trophy to offer a new title to the capital club, the ex-Barcelona player, once again, distinguished himself during the reception of AS Saint-Etienne (2-1), this Sunday, on the occasion of the 17th day of Ligue 1.
Established on the right flank of the Parisian attack, the 27-year-old player was quick to stand out against Eirik Horneland’s men. Inspired on his first shots and in all the good shots from Ile-de-France despite a sluggish start to the match where the Greens showed great skills, Dembouz liberated the Parc des Princes at the end of a magnificent solitary rush and an unstoppable strike at the first post (13th). Much more successful than his left counterpart, Bradley Barcola, the 2018 world champion also showed composure to convert the break penalty a few moments later (23rd). Unstoppable and a real nightmare for Léo Pétrot, the Habs multiplied classy actions (27th, 32nd) without forgetting to be altruistic, like this sharp pass at the start of the action on the goal ultimately refused by Barcola (39th ).
6 goals in the last 5 matches
Less in sight upon returning from the locker room, apart from a few breakthroughs of which he alone has the secret, Dembélé will nevertheless remain the great architect of this new victory at home, despite the reduction in the score of Zuriko Davitashvili on a free kick (2-1, 64th) and increasing technical waste (19 lost balls, 29% of successful dribbles in total). Logically elected man of the match, the native of Vernon, co-top scorer for his team with now 10 goals (as many as Barcola), thus allows PSG to consolidate its first place with seven lengths ahead of Olympique de Marseille . Author of 11 goals and 7 assists in 22 matches in all competitions, Dembélé also confirms his very good dynamic in terms of efficiency.
“We didn’t make the end of the match easy in the second half. They pushed. They played their game. They didn’t come here to defend. We could have scored two or three more goals but we are happy to come away with the three points. This is not a new Dembélé. I’ve always been like that. Now that it’s coming in, it’s good. We will continue like this”declared the one who has totaled 6 goals in the last 5 matches at the microphone of DAZN. Questioned a few moments later by the broadcaster, Luis Enrique also praised the performance of his protégé, not forgetting to congratulate the collective. “Dembélé? I don’t think anything. Is he in good shape? Of course, but we are a team, we play with all the players. And a player like Dembélé who scores two goals is good for us, it’s perfect. But we are a team, all together, that is the most important thing for us. I think we played really well.”.
In the mixed zone, Gianluigi Donnarumma, still marked by his huge shock with Wilfried Singo, finally praised his teammate. “He’s a top player, he’s a fantastic player, I really like how he plays and for us it’s very important to have a Dembélé like that”notably admitted the last transalpine rampart, also claiming to feel very good in the French capital. At a time when Bradley Barcola has not found the net for more than two months and clearly seems to be stalling, PSG can, in any case, count on their other strong man in attack. A confirmed and more than welcome takeover before crossing swords with Manchester City and Stuttgart to determine the European future of the Parisians.
