France manager Deschamps issues challenge for Dembele

The winger has been in fine form for Barcelona this season, but his national team coach feels he still has room for improvement.

Didier Deschamps has called on Ousmane Dembele to become “more effective” and “efficient” in the final third of the pitch.

Dembele has endured his fair share of fitness troubles since joining Barcelona in 2017 but appears to have put those struggles behind him this season.

The 23-year-old has become a regular presence in Ronald Koeman’s line-up, making 35 appearances across all competitions. He has 11 goal contributions – nine goals and four assists – so far in 2020/21.

He hasn’t since international action since November 2018 but the recent revival has helped him get back in the France national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“Now he is able to play again, he is able to make the difference and score goals,” said Deschamps, via Goal. “He could score more and be more effective.

“It is not a question of changing him. He has been playing at the highest level for a long time. He is young. It would be good for him, for his club and for us if he could become more efficient.

“Of course, this is something that needs to be worked on. As you mature, you may make better choices. All forwards have moments when they are less efficient than others.”

“Ousmane has and always had this ability to create chances and make the difference. He is not always decisive in the area. That’s where it’s most difficult.

“The important thing is his ability to make the difference. Yes, he can be more consistent from the beginning to the end of the game.

“I’m not saying he can’t progress or improve. I prefer to look at the qualities anyway. They all have little flaws that can be erased with time.

“Sometimes they don’t, but that doesn’t stop them from being good. We are talking about a player who has been at the top level for several years and he is still very young.”