Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele is chasing the “holy grail” of the Ballon d’Or.
The ahead’s performances had been integral to Paris Saint-Germain’s inaugural triumph in Europe’s premier membership competitors, however having conquered that problem, the 28-year-old is trying to emulate his idol and former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi.
“Winning a Ballon d’Or when you’re a footballer is obviously the holy grail on an individual level. It’s something you dream of as a child,” Dembele, who mentioned he “hoped to be among 30 nominees,” informed France Football.
“I’ve had difficult years with injuries, weak performances as well. This season, I think I’ve been consistent, so we’ll see what happens,” he mentioned.
“It would be exceptional to have my name on the list and to be one of the favorites is already a great victory, although I hope to win it one day.”
For a very long time, Dembele was criticized for not fulfilling his potential and his spell in Barcelona was seen as a serious disappointment, albeit affected by harm.
However, as he has matured, he has realized that he needed to change his life-style.
“I was already a professional, but now I am a little more so. Now, even on rest days, I like to go to the training center, recover, work with the physios,” he added forward of PSG’s Club World Cup opener towards Atletico Madrid in Pasadena.
“Before, I would go home, play NBA 2K, watch a little TV. I was also younger, it’s normal. But, in the end, you pay dearly, and I saw it – especially in Barcelona,” mentioned the French nationwide.
“I arrived there young. I played from 20 to 26 years old, I had a lot of physical problems. I learned a lot. Now I know my body much better and that’s why I get injured less.”
Dembele is unlikely to characteristic within the opening recreation as he was injured in France’s Nations League semifinal towards Spain and is at present coaching individually.
PSG are favorites to win the sport however Atleti won’t be involved by their underdog standing.
“We know PSG’s quality; they’ve shown it this year, but we compete against anyone and we’re going to compete,” defender Robin Le Normand informed reporters.
“It’s part of our heritage and our game. We struggle, but we know how to do it.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com