France manager Didier Deschamps has backed PSG’s winger Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d’Or ahead Spain’s Lamine Yamal, as both countries prepare to face-off in the UEFA Nations League semifinal on Thursday night.
What Deschamps said
“Of course I am for Ousmane, since he is French and with the season he is celebrating,” Deschamps told reporters ahead of the semifinal clash with Spain.
Read this: Konate backs Dembele for Ballon d’Or
“Obviously, this Nations League can bring some elements of response, the Club World Cup too. If I have to choose, I tell you Ous, 100%, of course.
If you ask me about the Spaniards, I don’t think they will tell you the same thing. But obviously, Ousmane, with the season he is having, deserves it”, he continued.
Dembele’s brilliant campaign
The 28-year old was an influential figure as Les Parisiens claimed a historic first UCL title with a 5-0 drubbing of Inter Milan last weekend.
Read more on this: Dembele chooses between Ballon d’Or and UCL
The former Barcelona man scored 33 goals and 15 assists, as Luis Enrique’s side won a first-ever treble, including the Ligue One title and the Coupe de France.
Dembele also claimed the award for the Champions League player of the season after his 14 goal contributions were important in the French’s side title win, putting him firmly in the race to win a first Ballon d’Or ahead of Barcelona’s duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Who will win the Ballon d’Or?
The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on the 22nd of September, with Spanish midfielder Rodri winning last year’s edition.
Dembele’s UCL victory puts him firmly alongside Yamal and Raphinha as favorites for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and Thursday’s clash between Spain and France could significantly impact the results.
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