Ousmane Dembele is having the time of his life for the time being. The Frenchman is approaching the again of a stellar marketing campaign that noticed him assist PSG safe the elusive UEFA Champions League and the treble.
Dembele can also be one of many favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this yr, having emerged as PSG’s important difference-maker in assault.
Dembele displays on his time at Barcelona
In a latest interview with France Soccer (h/t ), Dembele identified how a altering mentality and extra professionalism are the primary drivers behind his performances at PSG.
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Wanting again at his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman mentioned, “I’m somewhat extra skilled now. I used to be earlier than, however now I’m much more so. Even on my relaxation days, I prefer to go to the coaching centre, recuperate, and work with the physiotherapists.”
Dembele admitted that he used to slack off a bit on his off days at Barcelona, however that has modified ever since he joined PSG.
“Earlier than, I would go dwelling, play NBA 2K, and watch TV. I used to be youthful, too, which is regular. However, ultimately, you pay a excessive value for it, and I noticed that particularly in Barcelona,” he mentioned.
Dembele added that he is aware of his physique significantly better than he used to at Barcelona.
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“I performed there from the age of 20 to 26, and I had plenty of bodily issues. I discovered quite a bit. Now I do know my physique significantly better, and that’s why I get injured much less typically,” he mentioned.
Although a lot of his studying seems to have come at PSG, Dembele nonetheless has immense respect for Barcelona, notably after PSG’s win within the Champions League last.
Dembele on Messi and Luis Enrique
The previous Borussia Dortmund celebrity went on to speak about Luis Enrique, who had a serious function behind his improved performances at PSG.
“With a coach like him, you recognize that in the event you don’t defend, you’ll be on the bench. For me, a striker shouldn’t cheat; he must be working onerous on a regular basis, each in assault and defence,” he mentioned.
Will Dembele win the Ballon d’Or this yr? (Picture by Alex Grimm/Getty Photographs)
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“Because of that, PSG turned European champions. All of us defended, all of us attacked. Luis Enrique created a powerful group, the place nobody is above the crew,” he added
Whereas PSG certainly defended nicely, it was Dembele’s attacking supremacy that helped PSG win the treble.
The attacker notably scored 33 targets in all competitions whereas racking up 15 assists in simply 49 matches – making him the this yr.
Speaking about Lamine Yamal, the ahead heaped reward on the Barcelona sensation, stating, “Lamine was already being talked about at Barcelona from a really younger age.“
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“When he arrived on the first crew, we understood he was distinctive. In coaching, he dribbled, assisted, and scored. He took on a complete new dimension,” he added.
Relating to the Ballon d’Or race, Dembele mentioned: “It’s onerous to say. However profitable the Ballon d’Or as a footballer is clearly the holy grail on a person degree. It’s one thing you dream about as a child.
“I keep in mind watching Telefoot as gamers appeared to obtain it. It was unimaginable. The thing alone, the ball, is outstanding.”
Persevering with, he added: “I hope to be among the many thirty nominees, for starters. I’ve had troublesome years with accidents and weak performances as nicely. This season I believe I’ve been constant, so we’ll see what occurs.
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“It will be distinctive to have my title on the listing. And being one of many favourites is a good victory, though I hope to win it someday.”
Dembele, in the meantime, additionally talked in regards to the affect Lionel Messi has had on his sport.
“I grew up watching Barcelona, and naturally, Lionel Messi is the best for me. He’s a participant who evokes me, distinctive. I’m so comfortable and proud that I performed with him,” he concluded.