Although France won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euro in 2000, the current generation of French players have all the right ingredients to be France’s Golden Generation. Players like Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial among many others are making other countries look enviously at the talent pool of France.
The latest name to make an entry into this long list of players is the 18-year-old Rennes forward Ousmane Dembele.
Background
Dembele was born in Vernon – a town in Normandy. He played for local side Evreux before Rennes signed him at the age of 13 by beating off interest from Caen and Le Havre. He progressed through the ranks at Rennes and eventually impressed with the reserve side.
The teenager believed that he deserved a chance with the senior side and refused to sign a professional contract when the club’s manager, Philippe Montanier, refused to play Dembele in the senior side. In the end, an intervention from the club’s newly appointed club advisor, Mikael Silvestre, convinced Dembele to sign a contract in October 2015.
In November 2015, he made his first start for Rennes and was on the score sheet. Since then, he hasn’t looked back and has scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists in 17 starts and 4 substitute appearances.
Strengths
There are plenty of positives in Dembele’s game and the best of the lot is his ability to play with both feet. The 18 year old spent a lot of time during his formative years to work on both feet and when he was asked about his strong side, he claimed that he shoots better with his right and dribbles better with his left.
This ability of his to play with both feet has allowed him to play anywhere across the front three, but he is at his best when he plays out wide and takes on defenders.
Few players have the pace, dribbling skills and quick feet to beat defenders at ease and Dembele is certainly one of them. According to Opta statistics as of March, only Neymar (4.6) averages more completed dribbles per game than Dembele (4.3) across Europe’s top five leagues.
In addition to this, it is clear as daylight that the youngster has an eye for goal. In fact, no under 20 player in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more goals than Dembele. He is currently the joint seventh highest scorer in Ligue 1 this season. He has also shown composure beyond his age by scoring some decisive penalties and last minute goals for his side.
Weakness
Dembele’s biggest weakness is his decision making and that is understandable considering his limited experience. He often makes the wrong decisions and loses possession by picking the wrong pass or by trying to beat one too many players.
Despite this, he has been very efficient in the final third and it will only get better as long as his awareness improves with more playing time.
The other attribute of his game that he might need to work on is his built. Dembele possesses a lean figure and that hasn’t troubled him much in the Ligue 1. However, if he is to succeed in other leagues, then he might need to work on his strength.
Future
The teenager’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed and many top European clubs are already linked with a summer move for the player. Considering the fee Man Utd had to dish out for Anthony Martial, Dembele will also command a huge fee if he is to be prized away from Rennes.
Aged just 18, he has already represented France at the U21 level and with Benzema ruled out of the upcoming Euro, Dembele might have an outside chance of making the final roster for the tournament.
“He’s quick, gets behind defences and he’s got two good feet. He can play in all three attacking positions. Is it too soon [to get a France call-up]? It depends on the competition. But obviously I’m watching him.” - France coach Didier Deschamps
Dembele will be one of the most talked about players in the next transfer window and it will be interesting to see what path he takes.
