Ousmane Dembele played a crucial role in propelling Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday evening. The in-form winger netted the crucial goal that equalized the Round of 16 matchup versus Liverpool on aggregate. He subsequently converted one of the penalties in the shootout.
And what a punishment it was, as well. Dembele is inherently left-footed and positioned to shoot on his preferred side before curving his run and delivering an unbeatable right-footed shot past Alisson Becker, arguably the top goalkeeper in the world today.
Why Dembele Uses His Weaker Right Foot for Shooting
The French player is naturally left-footed.
The initial observation that Dembele opted to take penalties with his right foot occurred during his time at Stade Rennais. When questioned about it, the assailant provided a brief yet clear rationale for favoring his weaker side for shooting, claiming it allowed him to produce greater power.
The French international expanded on this topic after signing with Barcelona in 2017, stating:
"I can use both legs equally well." I favor dribbling with my left, though I "enjoy shooting with my right foot."
Being ambidextrous refers to the capability to utilize both the right and left hands with the same skill level. This ability is uncommon and may be innate or cultivated through effort. Frequently, this is evident when individuals can write or use utensils with both hands; however, for Dembele, it has rendered him a more unpredictable player since he can swiftly cut in on his left or maneuver down the right with equal effectiveness.
PSG Now Among Top Contenders for Champions League
Dembele and his teammates striving to transform PSG into champions of Europe.
Dembele and his PSG colleagues will now encounter either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the Champions League quarter-finals. The French team has never succeeded in winning Europe's top tournament, despite nearly achieving it several times in the last ten years. Their nearest achievement was in 2020, when they made it to the final for the first time but lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
PSG has assembled more glamorous squads in recent years—especially when they featured a formidable attack consisting of legends Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe—but they seem to have finally discovered a team that can achieve it all this season. With the remarkable Luis Enrique at the helm, the Parisians are evidently contenders to win the European Cup this season.
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