Ousmane Dembélé has had a rollercoaster ride while transitioning from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman only has two assists in 10 matches in all competitions. So, what could be the reason for this slow start?
Dembélé is getting used to a new manager and teammates, so there’s a learning curve. Nonetheless, many would expect the 26-year-old to trend upward and not stagnate.
According to Diario AS, the former Barcelona winger’s inability to find that connection with Kylian Mbappé is hurting Dembélé’s ability to find success so far in the French capital.
“Dembélé has struggled to work with Mbappé so far this season, but the complicity between the two has remained intact both on and off the pitch,” the Spanish media outlet says.
“Luis Enrique now has the task of finding a system in which the two can find each other, improve each other, and take PSG further in Europe. The first test will be against Milan – semi-finalists in the Champions League last season – in a match that could be a turning point for Les Parisians.”
Both players have played together internationally, so there’s some familiarity. They’re not starting from scratch, so PSG likely hopes these two will figure out their chemistry.
For the capital club’s sake, it would be ideal if both players found chemistry on Wednesday. PSG will welcome AC Milan to the Parc des Princes for Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League.
These back-to-back matches against the Serie A side will likely determine who has a clear path to advance to the knockout stages.