Luis Enrique voices strong belief in Ousmane Dembele’s potential for an even better season with PSG, following an impressive previous year. Dembele’s contributions in goals and assists, especially in key Champions League matches, highlight his importance. As PSG prepares to host Angers, they aim to showcase their trophies and integrate new players, all while leveraging the home crowd’s support for a successful Ligue 1 title defense.
Paris Saint-Germain's manager, Luis Enrique, has expressed his unwavering confidence in Ousmane Dembele, projecting an even more impactful season for the French winger in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. This endorsement follows Dembele's stellar performance last season, where he played a pivotal role in PSG's triumphs across various competitions.
Last season, Dembele showcased his attacking prowess by contributing a remarkable 46 goal involvements, comprising 33 goals and 13 assists. This impressive tally placed him among the top seven players in Europe's major leagues, highlighting his significance to PSG's offensive dynamics. Dembele's ability to create and score goals proved crucial in numerous matches, solidifying his status as a key player for the Parisian club.
In a standout moment during PSG's dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final back in June, Dembele distinguished himself by providing two assists. This feat marked him as the first player since 2018 to achieve such a distinction in a Champions League final, further underscoring his ability to perform at the highest level under pressure. His contribution in the final was a testament to his vision, technique, and ability to deliver game-changing passes.
Dembele's overall impact in the Champions League last season was significant, as he amassed 14 goal involvements (eight goals and six assists). This achievement positioned him as the second-most productive French player in a single Champions League season, only surpassed by Karim Benzema's impressive 17 goal involvements for Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season. These statistics demonstrate Dembele's consistent performance and his capability to influence crucial matches in Europe's premier club competition.
Moreover, Dembele played a vital role in PSG's dramatic comeback in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham. He set up Goncalo Ramos for a late equalizer, which ultimately led to PSG securing the title on penalties. This contribution highlighted his clutch performance in important moments, further cementing his value to the team.
Due to his exceptional performances, there has been speculation that Dembele could be a contender for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, he faces stiff competition from Barcelona's emerging talents Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as well as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Despite the formidable competition, Dembele's contributions last season have undoubtedly placed him among the elite players in contention for the prestigious award.
In PSG's recent opening-day win against Nantes, Dembele was introduced in the 61st minute and quickly made his presence felt. Despite limited playing time, he managed to create two chances, putting him on par with Fabian Ruiz and Ibrahim Mbaye. Only Desire Doue and Lee Kang-In created more chances in the match, demonstrating Dembele's immediate impact upon entering the game.
Luis Enrique emphasized the significance of the upcoming season for Dembele, stating, "I think this season is a big challenge for Ousmane. Last year was incredible, yet I am convinced that he can improve his performance, without a doubt." This statement reflects the high expectations that Enrique has for Dembele and his belief in the player's potential to reach even greater heights.
Enrique further elaborated on Dembele's importance to the team, saying, "You have to be very brave to say that (about Dembele), but I think he has got the level. He is a really important player for us. He has quality in attack and also in defence. I can see how happy he is; I hope this year will be even better." This assessment highlights Dembele's all-around abilities and his positive influence on both the attacking and defensive aspects of PSG's gameplay.
Looking ahead, PSG is set to continue their Ligue 1 title defense as they host Angers at the Parc des Princes this Friday. This match marks the first home game for the Parisiens since their 3-1 victory over Auxerre on the final day of last season, making it a highly anticipated event for the club and its supporters. The homecoming is expected to be a special occasion, providing an opportunity for the team to reconnect with their fans and build momentum for the new season.
The club plans to showcase the five trophies they secured last season, including the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions. This presentation will serve as a celebration of their past achievements and a source of inspiration for future success.
Additionally, the match will feature home debuts for summer acquisitions Illia Zabarnyi and Super Cup hero Lucas Chevalier, offering fans a first glimpse of these new players in action at the Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique expressed his enthusiasm for returning to home turf, stating, "It's very important for us to see our fans again and return to the Parc des Princes after 10 away matches. We've really missed the stadium and the fans. We know that the atmosphere always makes a difference."
In terms of players to watch, Bradley Barcola stands out for PSG. Despite not scoring against Nantes, Barcola's dynamic performance and eagerness to find the net make him a player to watch on home soil. For Angers, goalkeeper Herve Koffi, who impressed with a clean sheet on his debut against Paris FC, is expected to face a barrage of attacks from PSG's formidable lineup.
Regarding the match prediction, PSG are heavily favored to win, considering their historical dominance over Angers in Ligue 1 matches. The Parisiens have not lost any of their last 27 league games against Angers, and their strong home record further supports the expectation of a victory.
According to Opta's win probability assessment, PSG has an 82.6% chance of winning, while a draw is projected at 10.6%, and Angers has a 6.8% chance of securing a victory. These probabilities reflect the perceived gap in quality and form between the two teams, reinforcing the likelihood of a PSG win.
With Luis Enrique's strategic guidance, Dembele's continued development, and the team's overall strength, PSG aims to build on their past success and achieve even greater accomplishments in the upcoming season.