Ousmane Dembele vs Mbappe: Evaluating Their Performance and Potential

When discussing Ousmane Dembele versus Kylian Mbappe, it's essential to look at both their raw talent and their career trajectories. Both players demonstrate exceptional skills on the field, but their paths to success have diverged significantly over the years. In this article, we will analyze their performances, comparing their attributes and current standings in the world of soccer.

Early Years and Initial Performances

Both players first gained recognition in 2016, and at that time, they were considered on par with each other. Ousmane Dembele burst onto the scene earlier because he was a little older than Kylian Mbappe. Similarly, Mbappe was starting more games for Monaco in 2016.

Dembélé's journey began at Rennes, where he performed well. He then caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, a club known for nurturing young talent. Dembélé was a standout player at Dortmund, showcasing his skills and potential. Meanwhile, Mbappe was making his mark with his incredible performance in the Champions League, scoring 6 goals and advancing to the semi-finals. This exceptional performance was part of a brilliant Monaco team that defeated Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

International Play and Team Roles

Internationally, both players were equally important to their respective national teams. Dembélé wore the number 11 shirt, while Mbappe wore the number 12. Their contributions on the international stage were significant, contributing to the success and morale of their teams.

Talent and Club Choices

When it comes to raw talent, both players were looked at as having similar abilities. However, the crucial factor that set them apart was their club choices. Kylian Mbappe's decision to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a game-changer for his career. At PSG, Mbappe was given the opportunity to develop further, and his talent flourished. Conversely, Dembélé's career at Barcelona has been marked by injuries and stagnation.

One of the main reasons for Dembélé's regression is his injury-prone nature, which intensified at Barcelona. Although Dembélé would perform well, he often found himself sidelined due to injuries. Furthermore, Barcelona's medical care wasn't the best, and the club was on a declining trajectory after winning the treble in 2015. Conversely, PSG has remained competitive and arguably even better.

Skill Comparison

Let's delve into their specific attributes to gauge who stands out. Both players are incredibly fast, making it difficult to determine who has the edge. In terms of dribbling, Dembélé is extraordinary, making it a standout skill. Mbappe, however, is more versatile, with a broader range of skills that include both dribbling and more inclusive techniques.

Dribbling and technical skills are areas where Mbappe excels, while Dembélé is more proficient with his weaker foot. Passing and crossing are among Dembélé's strengths, as he is adept at delivering accurate passes and crosses. In contrast, Mbappe has a significant edge in shooting and finishing, demonstrating a more precise and powerful touch. Additionally, Mbappe is physically more robust and strong in aerial duels, giving him an edge in those areas.

Conclusion

Initially, the competition between Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappe seemed very close. However, as of now, Mbappe has clearly emerged as the better player. His progression, particularly at PSG, has allowed him to refine his skills and showcase his talent at a higher level. Dembélé has faced significant challenges, primarily due to injuries and the decline of Barcelona.

While the debate about who is better may be far from being resolved, it is clear that at the moment, Kylian Mbappe is the more accomplished player. However, opinions can always change as the careers of these talented individuals continue to evolve.

What do you think? Is it obvious that Kylian Mbappe is the better player? Let me know in the comments!