The story of Ousmane Dembélé's journey to becoming one of the world's best players serves as a poignant reminder that greatness often unfolds slowly, like a masterpiece in the making. When this reporter first penned an article about Dembélé in 2014, he was just a teenager with untold potential, and his future trajectory seemed all but sealed.
The qualities that make a great player truly exceptional - resilience, adaptability, decision-making, creativity, work ethic, response to feedback, and willingness to learn - were already evident even then. Those intangible attributes are what set Dembélé apart from his peers and propel him towards greatness.
One key lesson to take away from Dembélé's journey is the importance of embracing a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. After joining Barcelona in 2017, he was thrust into a team with an abundance of resources, yet it was not enough to unlock his full potential. He struggled to make an impact, starting only a third of league games, and scoring just 24 goals over six injury-plagued years.
However, when Dembélé left Barcelona at the start of last season, he found himself liberated from expectations that had been placed upon him. Without the burden of being 'the star player,' he was free to flourish in his own unique way. Under the guidance of a new coach, he quietly became the main man, leading PSG to victory in the Champions League.
Dembélé's exceptional form this year has been characterized by moments of clinical finishing and breathtaking vision on the pitch. His decision-making, creativity, and ability to start presses have set the tone for his team, making him an indispensable force in PSG's success.
While it is still difficult to pinpoint a single factor that makes a good player great, Dembélé's story suggests that a combination of intangible qualities - including chemistry with teammates, relationship with coaches, and playing style that brings out the best in every player - are crucial to achieving greatness. For this reporter, Dembélé's well-deserved prize is as much about his exceptional attributes as it is for his goals and trophies won.
Ultimately, Dembélé's journey serves as a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and growth. By embracing the journey, rather than just focusing on the destination, he has become one of the world's best players, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The qualities that make a great player truly exceptional - resilience, adaptability, decision-making, creativity, work ethic, response to feedback, and willingness to learn - were already evident even then. Those intangible attributes are what set Dembélé apart from his peers and propel him towards greatness.
One key lesson to take away from Dembélé's journey is the importance of embracing a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. After joining Barcelona in 2017, he was thrust into a team with an abundance of resources, yet it was not enough to unlock his full potential. He struggled to make an impact, starting only a third of league games, and scoring just 24 goals over six injury-plagued years.
However, when Dembélé left Barcelona at the start of last season, he found himself liberated from expectations that had been placed upon him. Without the burden of being 'the star player,' he was free to flourish in his own unique way. Under the guidance of a new coach, he quietly became the main man, leading PSG to victory in the Champions League.
Dembélé's exceptional form this year has been characterized by moments of clinical finishing and breathtaking vision on the pitch. His decision-making, creativity, and ability to start presses have set the tone for his team, making him an indispensable force in PSG's success.
While it is still difficult to pinpoint a single factor that makes a good player great, Dembélé's story suggests that a combination of intangible qualities - including chemistry with teammates, relationship with coaches, and playing style that brings out the best in every player - are crucial to achieving greatness. For this reporter, Dembélé's well-deserved prize is as much about his exceptional attributes as it is for his goals and trophies won.
Ultimately, Dembélé's journey serves as a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and growth. By embracing the journey, rather than just focusing on the destination, he has become one of the world's best players, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.