There are obviously his 35 goals, his 13 assists and his offensive weight in PSG victories. But Ousmane Dembélé, still decisive against Real Madrid (4-0) in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, is not only unit at the foot this season. The Parisian striker, candidate for the Ballon d’Or, is also distinguished in his defensive activity, and in particular his pressing on the opposing players and guards.
An investment noticed by a former glory of the Madrid club (1999-2009), Michel Salgado. “Dembélé press as if he were the best defender in the world,” breathes the former Spanish right lap in an interview with the AS newspaper on Friday. To convince a player like Dembélé to do this is what really distinguishes a good coach. It’s clear. Transforming the most difficult players of an individual mentality to a mentality at the service of the collective. »»
A role welcomed by Courtois
For Michel Salgado, the metamorphosis of Ousmane Dembélé is one of the symbols of the application of the philosophy of the PSG coach, Luis Enrique. “What he did is spectacular,” he says. Everyone was talking about Mbappé when he left, and he managed to manage change without ever criticizing him. They adapted to another way of playing, to another, more collective style, always favoring the team above individuality. It pushes everyone to give their all, not only in attack, but also in defense. He is a coach who motivates his players a lot. Everyone applies intense pressing. »»
The former partner of Zidane and Figo is not the only one to have noted this involvement of the 2018 world champion. “I told him after the match that he pressed a lot and he told me that it was what he had to do, said after the semi-final the guardian of Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois. On a clearance, I have half a second to think about the place where I will type, because they press you. »»
Another goalkeeper was also the victim of this energy debauchery by Ousmane Dembélé. Yann Sommer, the porter of Inter Milan, had been embarrassed by the activity of the French during the Champions League final won (5-0) by PSG.