Ousmane Dembele says there are clear tactical similarities between PSG under Luis Enrique and France’s current setup. He made the comments this week while on international duty with the France squad. Speaking to the media, the forward confirmed that the freedom given to attackers in both systems has made the switch between club and country feel natural. The Ousmane Dembele PSG France comparison has become one of the more interesting subplots of this break.
Asked directly whether the two set-ups compare, Dembele kept his answer short and clear: “Yes, very much so.” He then explained what he meant by that, pointing to a shared attacking approach that gives forwards room to roam and link play through the middle of the pitch.
Forward Cites Tactical Freedom and Similar Philosophies
Dembele went into detail on what connects Didier Deschamps’ France to Luis Enrique’s PSG, describing a setup that mirrors his club role more closely than fans might expect.
“The coach gives us a lot of freedom, especially us forwards; there’s a philosophy that’s somewhat similar to PSG’s. We try to enjoy ourselves, the coach wants the team to play, there are many similarities with PSG.”
That freedom has been a hallmark of Luis Enrique’s side at Parc des Princes this season, with forwards encouraged to interchange and find space rather than stick to fixed zones. Dembele’s comments suggest he feels just as comfortable working inside that framework for his country, which helps explain why his form has carried so smoothly between the two camps. Supporters can catch up on his season so far via the PSG forward’s profile.
Central Adaptation and Positional Versatility Under Luis Enrique
Kylian Mbappe’s injury has opened the door for Dembele to play through the middle for France, a role he has grown used to occupying for PSG across the campaign. He has featured both out wide and up front for his club this season, giving him the range to slot into the central spot for Les Bleus without much disruption.
Dembele described the move himself, mixing a touch of humour with a clear sense of how he reads the position.
“It’s a position I play all season. In these two matches, the coach gave me a lot of freedom. What I also like is dropping deep. There’s a bit of Luis Enrique in me, and a little bit of Zidane too. Around me at PSG and with the French national team, I have a lot of quality players. I know I have to score and make passes. I’m happy in this team.”
That central role has leaned on the same instincts Dembele uses at PSG, where he drops deep to link play before quality players around him finish moves. It is a pattern that fits with his reaction to early season form, where he spoke about settling into Luis Enrique’s demands after a shaky start to the campaign.
France Prepare to Face Italy Tomorrow Night
France play Italy tomorrow night, and Dembele’s comments arrive with that fixture firmly in view. His willingness to play centrally gives Deschamps a tactical option that leans directly on his experience under Luis Enrique this season. He will not need to learn an unfamiliar role on the fly.
The wider picture around Dembele this autumn has included recent Ballon d’Or backing from team-mates and staff. His focus this week has stayed on the France setup and the Italy match. He covered the full topic while speaking to the media on international duty. His answers leave little doubt that the tactical crossover between PSG and France is helping rather than hindering him right now.
