Aktuell · 22.06.2026 16:29
Ousmane Dembélé: France’s World Cup Hope on the Right Wing
Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old forward from Paris Saint-Germain, is at the center of discussions regarding the optimal use of his skills in the French national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New York – 16.06.2026: Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old forward from Paris Saint-Germain, is at the center of discussions regarding the optimal use of his skills in the French national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite his recent Ballon d’Or win, his role in coach Didier Deschamps’ team remains a hotly debated topic.
Since his debut for the “Équipe Tricolore” in 2016, Dembélé has played 58 international matches and scored seven goals. His versatility as a forward and right winger makes him a valuable option for Deschamps. However, he has not yet been able to consistently deliver the top-level performances expected from a player of his caliber.
In the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Senegal on June 16, 2026, Dembélé showed a mixed performance. Initially, he was deployed centrally behind Kylian Mbappé, which did not produce the desired effect. In the second half, Deschamps switched Dembélé to the right wing, where he posed more danger but was still unable to fully unleash his potential.
These tactical adjustments raise questions about Dembélé’s optimal positioning. His speed and dribbling skills make him ideally suited for the right wing, where he can tear apart the opponent’s defense. However, he does not always seem to achieve the desired effectiveness in this role. Some critics point to his lack of presence in the center, where he could act as a target player for crosses and as a playmaker.
The challenge for Deschamps is to deploy Dembélé in a way that his strengths come to the fore. One possible solution could be to use him flexibly, switching between the right wing and a more central position depending on the game situation and opponent. This flexibility could enable Dembélé to better contribute his dynamism and creativity.
Another aspect is integrating Dembélé into the existing French attack. Collaboration with players like Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise is crucial to develop a harmonious offensive play. In the game against Senegal, it became clear that close cooperation between Olise and Mbappé can lead to dangerous scoring opportunities. Dembélé could benefit from a similar partnership to increase his effectiveness.
In conclusion, it remains evident that Ousmane Dembélé, despite his individual success, can continue to play a key role in the French attack. It is up to coach Didier Deschamps to find the right balance between tactics and individuality to optimally integrate Dembélé into the team and fully exploit his strengths.