I often mention mental skills, which a lot of fans neglect.
And during this World cup, I tried to remember other kids who were of a similar age as a current Dembele.
And imo, something is "off" with Dembele.
He imo lacks some spark in his eyes, something is off with his body language, he lacks drive, courage to be a world class.
Further, imo, these attacking players (wingers, Cams and attackers) need some level of cockiness and bravery to make fools out of opponent from an early age.
In that sense, Dembele's cockiness is way lower than of young R9, Ronaldinho, Owen, Henry, Trezeguet, Robben, CR7, Mbappe, even Messi etc.
Further, these pacey wingers, usually reach their prime in teen years and in early to mid 20s, when they are the fastest.
In late 20s, since the pace is their main skill, they deteriorate faster.
So, majority of these pacey-dribblers are world class from an early age due to:
1. awesome skills
2. insane pace in those early years
3. their cockiness and bravery from an early age
So, their prime is more often from 20-25 than from 26-29.
Dembele still looks like a kid in that mental/determination area.
And, I know, he will improve. But if his "personality" is a nice guy, without some positive cockiness, I don't think that he will ever reach levels what people are expecting.
If I would have to put my bet in this moment, I would say that he will end at max at a level of Alexis Sanchez.
But more likely like some Theo Walcott.
Imo, there is not a chance anymore that Dembele will be a generational player as we expected.
For example, Michael Owen, aged 18 in France 98' round of 16, England vs Argentina:
Ronaldinho aged 22 (only 1 year older than Dembele) in Japan 2002, quarters, Brazil vs England:
1st goal: look at his bravery, cockiness, calmness, decisions, IQ, leadership to some extent.
2nd goal: look at his cockiness again. Look at the spark in his eyes, body language, celebration etc.
For anyone with some basic knowledge on psychology and body language, you will know what I am trying to say about Dembele.
Further, people will say: but he is young, he is just a kid.
True. But the point is, to be a leader in a club like Barca, you need to be a brave kid from the age 18.
Some players are brave and leaders from an early age, some don't have that type of a personality.
Just look at Mbappe, his personality, bravery, cockiness. He is close to Henry and CR7.
A current Dembele is nowhere near to that.
And as some others said [MENTION=8308]Neeraj[/MENTION] in other topics, it seems that Barca and La Masia are lately looking only at passing and technique, and are neglecting other aspects of football like physical skills (strength, stamina, pace), but also they are neglecting mental skills and courage it seems. Not to mention that we don't have any thugs in a team anymore.
So, not only that Dembele will need to improve tactically since he doesn't fit our style currently, he will also have to improve insanely in that mental part if he wants to be a key player for any top club.
Technique without bravery, determination, IQ and some cockiness won't be enough, imo.
But we will see that very soon.
Like a bunch of spoiled kids! Mooooooom I want Mbappeeeeeee not Dembeleeeeeeeeee! PSG has Mbappe I also want oneeeeeeeeee! Mommy, pleaseeeee or I’ll hold my breath until my face turns blueeeeeee!
takes over the French NT. Then you can kiss him goodbye most probably.
