Deschamps describes Dembele in detail: “He showed his qualities very early”

For the first time since November 2018, Ousmane Dembele has received a call-up to the French national team. Coach Didier Deschamps said that Dembele, alongside Thomas Lemar, Alphonse Areola and Tanguy Ndombele are very happy to have returned to the squad for France’s World Cup qualifiers.

Deschamps explained how a blend of injuries and faltering form have kept Dembele away from the side, three years on since their World Cup triumph in Russia. Dembele did feature in that squad but since France’s 2-0 Nations League defeat to the Netherlands in November 2018, he has not featured for his country.

This season under Ronald Koeman however, Dembele has found close to his best form for Barcelona. However, Didier Deschamps has set a challenge for the winger however, as beIN Sports report, asking him to have more of an impact on games.

“He is a player who showed his qualities very early. He is still young. “If we haven’t seen him for a while, it’s because he’s not been spared from injuries. By the time he recovered he was injured again. Now he is able to play again, to make the difference and score goals. He could score and be more effective,” said Deschamps. 

Dembele’s ‘fatal flaw’ so to speak, seems to be his lack of clinicality in front of goal and Deschamps seems to be well aware of just that: “Ousmane has and always had this ability to create chances and make the difference. He is not always decisive in the area. That’s where it’s most difficult.”

The coach is confident, however, that Dembele can reach much higher levels: “It is not a question of changing him. He has been playing at the highest level for a long time. He is young. It would be good for him, for his club and for us if he could become more efficient. Of course, this is something that needs to be worked on.  

“Of course, this is something that needs to be worked on. As you mature, you may make better choices. All forwards have moments when they are less efficient than others,” added the World Cup-winning coach.

Ousmane Dembele has earned 21 caps for France, 13 of which have come as a substitute and in that time he has scored two goals. If he keeps up the form he has hit Barcelona, where he has gathered nine goals and provided four assists in all competitions, just this season, he is sure to get more chances with France in the near future.