Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has revealed why he performs better in France than he did at Barcelona.
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Dembele joined PSG in 2023Enjoys more freedom than at BarcelonaForm resulted in France call-upWHAT HAPPENED?
Dembele joined PSG a year ago for half the price Barcelona paid for him in 2017. The French champions forked out just north of €50m (£42m/$53m) for the pacey winger who tallied 20 goal contributions in all competitions in 2023-24. He recently gave an interview suggesting that he works better under head coach Luis Enrique because he is given the freedom to roam on the pitch.
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Dembele's value may have decreased in recent years, but he has continued to show glimpses of his world-class talent. The 44-cap France international has suffered from several long-term injuries but when fit, he is one of the most formidable wingers in Europe. With Kylian Mbappe leaving his hometown club this summer, Dembele may need to be the man to step up in his absence.
WHAT DEMBELE SAID
In an interview with Marca, Dembele said: "Luis Enrique gives me a lot of freedom. At Barcelona I was more attached to the wing. At PSG, I can play everywhere, as a No.10, on the wing, as a false 9. I had more freedom in the second half of the season. The coach told me to keep moving, except when I had to maintain my position on the wing."
DID YOU KNOW?
The 27-year-old arrived at Barcelona a few months after his current manager Enrique left the Camp Nou. Dembele was unveiled after signing a deal worth over €100m (£84m/$107m) but only scored three times in 17 La Liga appearances in his first season.