Are you watching Arsenal? 'Spectacular' Dembele shuts doubters up
Tom Weber
- Updated: 25 Nov 2023 13:33 GMT
- 3 min read
Ousmane Dembele proved his doubters wrong with a spectacular performance against title-challenging Monaco.
The Frenchman has come in for plenty of scathing criticism following his controversial move from Barcelona to PSG in the summer. The Ligue 1 giants exploited a €50 million clause in his deal to snap up a man who had set Barcelona back a whopping €135m in 2017, which caused friction between the two clubs with the Blaugrana feeling betrayed by their former record signing.
His start to life at the Parc des Princes was poor, to say the least. Dembele struggled to have any kind of real impact and his offensive production left a lot to be desired. This led to repeated complaints and even rumours about a January departure.
Arsenal began being linked with Dembele in their search to add quality depth to their wide options, which prompted an angry response from Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit. “I wouldn’t sign him. He constantly wastes opportunities and doesn’t score goals. He’s had a difficult start at PSG, which is why I wouldn’t be in favour of bringing Dembele to Arsenal.”
However, with his latest showing, Dembele has shut his doubters - and Petit in particular - up.
'A spectacular player'
PSG hosted Monaco in a very important top-of-the-table clash. The visitors had led Ligue 1 for some time earlier in the season but slipped up in recent weeks, while PSG have been on the ascendancy.
This trend was made quite evident when the perennial Ligue 1 champions demolished the side from the micronation 5-2. Dembele notched a goal and an assist on the day and was a constant threat throughout the match.
Afterwards, head coach Luis Enrique waxed lyrical about his wide man. “His goal was 100% pure Dembele. A left control with the outside of the ankle and a spectacular right shot that lodges in the top of the goal. This goal rewards him. It’s good. Despite all the noise around him, I have been delighted with what Ousmane has been doing since day one."
“He is the best player in the world at unbalancing [the opposition], in my opinion, without a doubt. He always plays to hurt the opponent, give assists, eliminate players, and generate superiority. He is a very spectacular player, and I like having a player of this profile on my team.” Perhaps the Gunners would also like to have this profile on their team.
