The long-awaited summer of Paris Saint-Germain begins under bad auspices. On the eve of a historic club world, the best player and scorer of the club, Ousmane Dembélé, was forced to declare. An absence that seemed insurmountable for many, as the Frenchman was decisive this season. However, Luis Enrique seems to have a clear idea of how to compensate for this loss.
A daring tactical choice in the absence of Dembélé
According to the latest trends, the Spanish technician plans to reshape the Parisian attack by focusing in particular on Désiré Doué as a center-forward. Luis Enrique particularly appreciates the versatility of the young French striker, already successfully used at the forefront of the attack this season, especially during the match against Lens last January. At only 20 years old, Doué could therefore become the providential man in the prolonged absence of Dembélé.
This tactical decision also seems to be a response to the disappointing state of form of Gonçalo Ramos, long considered as the natural lining of Dembélé. With a very small playing time in recent months, the Portuguese has not offered enough guarantees, pushing Luis Enrique to turn to other offensive options such as Barcola, Kvaratskhelia or Kang-in Lee, whose mobility and versatility are particularly appreciated.
How Luis Enrique plans to replace Dembélé
Paris faced with a major challenge before the World Cup club
For Luis Enrique, it is a real strategic test. So far, Ousmane Dembélé was essential in his plans, author of 21 goals in 29 Ligue 1 games and best player in the Champions League this season. The French package, affected by the Jewish ischios with the Blues against Spain in the League of Nations, therefore deprives the Spanish coach of his number one asset to face Atlético Madrid from June 15.
The absence of Dembélé could last at least three weeks, compromising the entire group phase, including meetings against Botafogo and Seattle Sounders. A hypothetical return could occur only from the knockout stages of the club World Cup, which requires PSG to deeply rethink its tactical device without its major offensive weapon.
The strategic dilemma of Luis Enrique
This unprecedented situation since the arrival of the Spanish technician forces the team to review his collective balance. The idea of a radical change of system to compensate for the loss of Dembélé is not excluded, in particular by involving Vitinha or João Neves more in a more collective and versatile approach. It is a life-size test that awaits PSG and its Spanish coach in the United States.
The next few weeks will be decisive to measure the real depth of the Parisian workforce. With the imminent departure for the World Cup scheduled for June 14, it will quickly be necessary to clarify these new tactical approaches to maintain an offensive efficiency comparable to that displayed with Dembélé.
Towards a quick return of Dembélé?
Finally, the hope remains to quickly review Ousmane Dembélé on the field. If PSG survives this delicate phase without its best player, its return could coincide with the final stages, bringing an additional dimension to an ambitious team. For Luis Enrique, it is above all a question of limiting the damage while waiting for this capital reinforcement.
It remains to be seen whether this emergency solution will prove to be effective and if desired Goué and the other Parisian attackers will be able to hold their rank. One thing is certain: Luis Enrique will have to prove, once again, his ability to adapt to all situations.
