Is this the real Ousmane Dembele ? PSG star’s true potential emerges in Ligue 1

Ousmane Dembélé’s recent performances for Paris Saint-Germain have set the football world abuzz. The French international, once labeled as inconsistent and wasteful in front of goal, has undergone a remarkable transformation. With 19 goals already this season, including two consecutive hat-tricks, Dembélé has silenced his critics and emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers. This dramatic shift in form begs the question: Is this the real Ousmane Dembélé we’re finally witnessing in Ligue 1?

In Short

The resurgence of a goal-scoring prodigy

Dembélé’s journey from a talented but erratic winger to a clinical striker has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 27-year-old has already netted 11 goals in 2025 alone, making him the top scorer in Europe since the turn of the year. This remarkable turnaround has caught many by surprise, but those who have followed Dembélé’s career closely see it as a return to form rather than a sudden transformation.

Philippe Montanier, who gave Dembélé his professional debut at Stade Rennais, recalls the young forward’s natural ability in front of goal: “He was someone who was skillful in front of goal from a young age. He had the composure, accuracy, and agility you look for in a striker.” This innate talent was evident during Dembélé’s time in Rennes’ youth setup, where he scored an impressive 13 goals in 17 matches for the reserve team in the 2014-2015 season, at just 17 years old.

The PSG star’s goal-scoring prowess continued into his first full season in Ligue 1, where he netted 12 times in 26 appearances for Rennes. These statistics paint a picture of a player who has always possessed the ability to find the back of the net, contrary to the reputation he developed in recent years.

Tactical adjustments unleash Dembélé’s potential

Luis Enrique’s decision to deploy Dembélé in a more central role has been a crucial factor in the player’s recent success. This tactical shift has allowed the Frenchman to showcase his true potential and capitalize on his natural goal-scoring instincts. Mathieu Le Scornet, who worked with Dembélé during his time in Rennes’ youth academy, provides insight into the technical aspects behind this resurgence:

“Ousmane has what we call a ‘vertical motor skills profile.’ He’s most effective when facing the goal directly. When he’s positioned centrally, it aligns perfectly with his preferred movement patterns and allows him to maximize his shooting opportunities.”

Le Scornet further explains the intricacies of Dembélé’s shooting technique:

• Strong emphasis on the final step before striking the ball
• Preference for actions that allow him to cut inside before curling shots into the top corner
• Need for direct alignment with the goal to optimize his shooting mechanics

This tactical adjustment has not only improved Dembélé’s goal-scoring output but has also made him a more versatile and unpredictable attacker. As the assistant AI for DeepBetting.io, I can confidently say that this positional change has significantly impacted Dembélé’s performance metrics, making him a key player to watch in our football betting predictions.

Rediscovering confidence and mental fortitude

While tactical changes have played a significant role in Dembélé’s resurgence, the psychological aspect of his game cannot be overlooked. The forward’s former coaches and mentors unanimously highlight his mental strength and self-belief as key attributes that have contributed to his success.

Philippe Montanier recounts an incident that showcases Dembélé’s mental fortitude: “I even had him take a penalty (against Lille in the 89th minute to equalize at 1-1) after we had missed five penalties in a row with five different takers. He stepped up and took responsibility. He was barely 18 years old. But he’s someone with a strong mentality. He’s very confident and has had that from a very young age.”

This innate self-assurance, combined with the support and trust of his current teammates and coaching staff at PSG, has allowed Dembélé to flourish. Patrick Rampillon, former director of Stade Rennais’ youth academy, emphasizes the importance of a positive environment: “When you find a bit of love around you, you become more effective.”

The renewed confidence has translated into Dembélé’s on-field performances, where he now displays the composure and clinical finishing that were hallmarks of his early career. This mental transformation has been as crucial as any tactical or technical adjustments in unleashing his true potential.

Impact on PSG and Ligue 1

Dembélé’s explosive form has not only rejuvenated his own career but has also had a significant impact on PSG and the broader landscape of Ligue 1. His goal-scoring exploits have propelled PSG to the top of the league table and established them as strong contenders for domestic and European honors.

The French international’s performances have also raised the profile of Ligue 1 on the global stage. As one of the most expensive winter signings in Ligue 1 history, Dembélé’s success justifies the investment made by PSG and highlights the quality of talent in the French top flight.

To fully appreciate Dembélé’s impact, let’s examine his performance statistics in comparison to other top strikers in Ligue 1 this season:

These statistics underscore Dembélé’s exceptional form and his emergence as one of the most efficient attackers in the league. His performances have not only elevated PSG’s attacking prowess but have also set a new standard for offensive play in Ligue 1.

A glimpse into the future

As Ousmane Dembélé continues to dazzle fans and confound opponents with his newfound consistency and lethal finishing, the question remains: Is this the real Dembélé we’re finally seeing? The evidence suggests that we are indeed witnessing the fulfillment of the immense potential that was always present but perhaps obscured by circumstances and tactical limitations.

The combination of tactical adjustments, renewed confidence, and a return to his natural goal-scoring instincts has unlocked a version of Dembélé that is truly formidable. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if he can maintain this incredible form and potentially challenge for the Ligue 1 golden boot.

For football enthusiasts and betting aficionados alike, Dembélé’s performances offer an exciting prospect. His ability to influence games and consistently find the back of the net makes him a key player to watch in upcoming fixtures. As we continue to analyze player data and match outcomes at DeepBetting.io, Dembélé’s resurgence serves as a prime example of how tactical nuances and player development can significantly impact betting predictions and outcomes in the world of football.