Long perceived as this brilliant but frustrating dribbler, Ousmane Dembélé has, this season, changed dimension. Now awarded center-center from Paris Saint-Germain, he signed the most accomplished exercise in his career, with 35 goals and 15 assists in club. A statistical but also mental metamorphosis, which could take it to the Ballon d'Or next September. At 28, the former Barcelona seems to have found the perfect balance between efficiency and freedom.
In an interview with France Footballthe champion of France returned to his axial repositioning, which has changed everything according to him. “Number 9 and right winger, they are not the same efforts. When you arrive at the goal, you are a little cooler because you are in the axis ”, he explained. For him, being in a more central position means less kilometers, fewer duels to be delivered, and therefore increased lucidity when concluding. A simple analysis, but revealing the tactical mutation operated by Luis Enrique.
The new Dembélé: a change of position and state of mind
Because Dembélé was not satisfied to change the area. He also changed posture. “Since the start of the season, I have started every match by telling myself that I will score three goals,” he said. A state of mind resolutely turned towards the offensive impact, in reverse of the image of a distracted artist that was attached to him once. And the figures prove him right. If he maintains this dynamic for a few weeks, he could well become Rodri's successor to the list of the most prestigious of individual awards.
Center, mental, figures: the Renaissance season of Dembélé
There are still titles to get. And even if a thigh injury should deprive him of the group phase, Dembélé intends to participate in the conquest of the Club World Cup with Paris. If he returns in time for the semi-finals, he could add a prestigious line to his record … and one more argument in the Golden Ball race. One thing is certain: this year 2025, Ousmane Dembélé is no longer the same.
Whether or not he lifts the golden trophy, Dembélé succeeded in his bet: silencing doubts, assuming expectations, and transforming speed into constant. A season that could well redefine the rest of his career. And remind everyone that a genius never dies, he matures.
