Brazil/France – Deschamps says what he really thinks of Dembélé's role | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps, head coach of the France national team, spoke at a press conference ahead of Thursday evening’s friendly against Brazil (kick-off at 9 p.m., live on TF1). He was notably asked to address the uncertainty surrounding the positioning of Ousmane Dembélé, the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Les Bleus forward.

Deschamps: “He has a starting position, but also freedom.”

Deschamps’ remarks are not without interest, as he reminds us of an essential point: a player is not necessarily confined to just one position. The idea of a system is important in order to provide reference points, but it is also overstated in media and supporter debates. There is movement in football. Of course, you have to find the right attacking structure and balance. It is clear that Dembélé will be able to move whether he starts centrally or out wide. But he has to coordinate with the others.

That is something he is used to doing in a particularly mobile and fluid PSG side. He could also play alongside his Paris teammate Désiré Doué (a 20-year-old midfielder/forward). And Michael Olise (the 24-year-old Bayern Munich forward) is also used to frequently rotating positions at club level. That leaves Kylian Mbappé (the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward), who may be less inclined to “adjust” to the team. Let’s hope the right formula starts to take shape tonight, so the team can build confidence ahead of this summer’s World Cup. It is something that needs work in order to get the most out of this group’s full potential.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.