Ousmane Dembélé's meteoric rise to becoming one of the world's best players was not a straightforward, linear journey. In fact, it was marked by twists and turns that tested his resolve and perseverance.
From his early days as a raw talent at Rennes to his time with Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the team win the German Cup, Dembélé demonstrated an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. His coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, identified him as a "curious-motivated" player - someone who needed training in a distinct way.
However, when Dembélé moved to Barcelona in 2017, his progress was hindered by inconsistent form and injuries that prevented him from starting many games. This period has been described as a "sliding doors moment" that could have changed the course of his career. It is clear now that this time, under Ernesto Valverde's coachship, ultimately led to Dembélé leaving Barcelona amidst controversy.
Fast forward to his current role at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he has blossomed into a world-class player. After joining PSG in 2019, Dembélé was liberated from the pressure of being the team's star player. His talent and natural ability shone through, allowing him to take on an increasingly important role.
The recent season saw Dembèle break down the opposition with his vision and movement, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others. With a ruthless finishing technique that has been honed over time, he consistently delivers under pressure. It is this combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude that makes him stand out from his peers.
Dembélé's award as the best male player in the world is not just recognition of his goals and trophies but also testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement and the unrelenting drive that propelled him to greatness.
From his early days as a raw talent at Rennes to his time with Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the team win the German Cup, Dembélé demonstrated an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. His coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, identified him as a "curious-motivated" player - someone who needed training in a distinct way.
However, when Dembélé moved to Barcelona in 2017, his progress was hindered by inconsistent form and injuries that prevented him from starting many games. This period has been described as a "sliding doors moment" that could have changed the course of his career. It is clear now that this time, under Ernesto Valverde's coachship, ultimately led to Dembélé leaving Barcelona amidst controversy.
Fast forward to his current role at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he has blossomed into a world-class player. After joining PSG in 2019, Dembélé was liberated from the pressure of being the team's star player. His talent and natural ability shone through, allowing him to take on an increasingly important role.
The recent season saw Dembèle break down the opposition with his vision and movement, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others. With a ruthless finishing technique that has been honed over time, he consistently delivers under pressure. It is this combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude that makes him stand out from his peers.
Dembélé's award as the best male player in the world is not just recognition of his goals and trophies but also testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement and the unrelenting drive that propelled him to greatness.