Ousmane Dembele has been heavily criticised after a disappointing performance against Italy, but France coach Zinedine Zidane has publicly defended the forward.
Dembélé Brutally Criticised After France Draw With Italy as Zidane Defends Him
Ousmane Dembélé has come under heavy criticism in France after struggling to make an impact during the 1-1 Nations League draw with Italy.
With Kylian Mbappé unavailable, Dembélé was given extra responsibility in attack and also wore the captain’s armband.
But the PSG star failed to produce the performance many expected.
French media and several pundits have now questioned whether he deserves to remain one of the first names in the national-team attack.
Dembélé receives very low ratings
Dembélé was one of the lowest-rated France players after the match.
L’Équipe reportedly gave him just:
3/10.
Other French outlets also gave him poor ratings after a difficult night.
The main criticism focused on his poor final decisions, missed chances and lack of influence in dangerous areas.
For a player expected to lead the attack without Mbappé, the performance was viewed as a major disappointment.
Big chance to lead France attack
Mbappé’s absence gave Dembélé an important opportunity.
He was able to play a more central role and take greater responsibility in France’s attacking system.
However, he struggled to turn possession into clear chances.
Dembélé had one good opportunity in the second half, but Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped his effort.
That became one of the few major attacking moments involving the France captain.
French pundits question his role
The criticism continued after the final whistle.
Some French pundits argued that there is still a major difference between Dembélé’s performances for PSG and his performances for the national team.
Others suggested France may now have stronger attacking options.
Michael Olise was once again praised after scoring a brilliant free-kick, while players such as Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola were mentioned as possible alternatives.
That has increased competition for Dembélé’s place in the starting XI.
Questions grow over France record
Dembélé’s international scoring record has also returned to the spotlight.
He has scored 13 goals in 73 appearances for France.
Considering his attacking role and status at club level, some critics believe those numbers should be higher.
The Italy match has therefore reopened the debate about why Dembélé has often struggled to reproduce his club form with France.
Zidane strongly defends Dembélé
However, France coach Zinedine Zidane refused to join the criticism.
Zidane said he had no major problem with Dembélé’s performance.
The coach highlighted his movement, pressing and willingness to drop deeper to help connect the team.
Zidane made clear that he does not judge an attacker only by goals and assists.
His comments showed that Dembélé still has the full support of the France manager.
Olise steals the spotlight
While Dembélé struggled, Michael Olise produced another important moment.
The Bayern Munich star scored a superb direct free-kick to give France the lead.
Italy later equalised through Alessandro Bastoni, but Olise was still one of France’s strongest performers.
The contrast between Olise’s impact and Dembélé’s quiet night only added to the pressure on the PSG forward.
Pressure growing before next match
Dembélé remains one of France’s most talented attacking players.
But competition inside the squad is growing quickly.
Mbappé remains the captain and biggest attacking star.
Olise is in excellent form, while younger players are also pushing for more minutes.
That means Dembélé may need a strong response in the next match to stop questions about his place from becoming even louder.
Zidane keeps faith despite criticism
For now, the situation is clear.
French media were extremely disappointed with Dembélé’s performance against Italy.
Several pundits have questioned whether he should continue starting.
But Zidane still believes in him.
The next challenge for Dembélé is to repay that confidence on the pitch and prove that his best PSG form can also appear for France.
