Ousmane Dembélé’s Struggle Sparks Debate Over His Role in France’s National Team

In the recent France vs Italy match at Stade de France, Ousmane Dembélé, acting captain in Kylian Mbappé’s absence, delivered a disappointing performance as France settled for a 1-1 draw. Despite his prolific form for Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé failed to make a significant impact against Italy’s disciplined defense, which often deployed nine or ten players in their defensive third to neutralize him. He notably missed a key scoring chance against former teammate Gigio Donnarumma.

Dembélé’s international struggles continue, highlighted by his modest tally of 13 goals in 70 appearances for France, contrasting sharply with his recent club success. This inconsistency has intensified discussions about whether coach Zinédine Zidane should bench him for the upcoming match against Belgium.

Football analysts remain divided: Daniel Riolo criticized Dembélé’s difficulty adapting to the national team’s style, suggesting alternative options. Emmanuel Petit argued that talented players like Dembélé should be capable of adapting to various offensive roles, referencing the psychological challenge Dembélé faces stepping up without Mbappé. Former teammate Samuel Umtiti acknowledged the complications Dembélé experiences transitioning from club to national dynamics.

This debate underscores the ongoing tension between Dembélé’s individual talent and his effectiveness within the French squad, raising questions about the best tactical approach moving forward.