How France boss Didier Deschamps feels Ousmane Dembele redeemed himself

Follow us on Google Discover

France manager Didier Deschamps feels Xavi must get a lot of credit for how Ousmane Dembele has returned to his best self.

At one stage, it seemed Dembele was set to become a classic case of “what could have been?”

However, Dembele has showcased at the World Cup, as well as in the Champions League and La Liga for Barcelona that he remains one of the best wingers in the world in recent memory.

Ousmane Dembele and injuries: A match made in hell

Since Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017, he has missed a staggering 725 days through injury (via Transfermarkt).

Missing more than two years on the sidelines due to a variety of knocks, the France forward’s career in Spain has had lower lows than higher highs.

While there has never been any questioning Dembele’s outstanding talent, injuries have meant he is yet to fully justify the whopping £135.5 million (BBC Sport) paid by Barcelona to sign him.

Ousmane Dembele and his emphatic return to form for Barcelona and France

Since the end of 2021, Ousmane Dembele has proven why he remains one of the most frightening wingers in the world.

So much so that the France wideman ended up topping the La Liga assist charts last season, with an impressive 13 assists to his name.

While Barcelona finished 2^nd in La Liga and dropped down to the Europa League in the 2021/2022 campaign, Dembele was one of their few success stories.

Even this season, the former Rennes wonderkid is 2^nd in the assist charts in the Spanish top-flight and has been one of the 1^st-placed side’s best players, alongside Robert Lewandowski and Pedri.

At the World Cup as well, Dembele has been one of the best wingers in the competition

How does Didier Deschamps feel Ousmane Dembele has recaptured his form?

France manager Didier Deschamps believes credit must be given to Xavi for Ousmane Dembele returning to his brilliant best, as per SPORT.

Deschamps believes Dembele has become a far more mature player, who now exudes a sense of determination and team spirit.

The World Cup winning coach also feels that the 25-year-old has become extremely tactically flexible and has added a defensive steel to his game as well.

And behind Dembele’s redemption lies Xavi, in Deschamps’ opinion.

It is a sight to behold to witness Ousmane Dembele set the World Cup alight for France as a part of this Didier Deschamps superteam, as it was always evident that there is a real player in him.