"Plays like he's still a developing 19-year-old" - France fans believe attacker is 'useless' after underwhelming Euro 2024 display against Poland
France fans conveyed their frustration with Ousmane Dembele on X after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Euro 2024 clash. The two sides faced each other at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, June 25.
Les Bleus arguably should have taken the lead in the 19th minute after Jakub Kiwior lost possession in midfield. N'Golo Kante found Dembele with a good pass, giving the PSG winger a one-on-one opportunity against Lukasz Skorupski. However, Dembele struck the ball directly at the keeper.
Kylian Mbappe found himself in a similar position right before half-time, but was unable to convert his chance. Fortunately, he was able to make amends in the 56th minute, dispatching his penalty after Dembele was fouled in the box by Kiwior.
Just when it appeared as if France would seal a nervy 1-0 win at Euro 2024, Dayot Upamecano gave away a penalty after a poor challenge on Karol Swiderski. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski had his initial penalty saved, but Mike Maignan was deemed to have moved off his line. Lewandowski made no mistake on the re-take in the 79th minute, earning Poland a hard-fought point.
Dembele looked lively and also won his side a penalty, but his lack of goal contributions has become a concern for Les Bleus. His final ball let him down against Poland and he is yet to get off the mark for France at Euro 2024, scoring just five goals in 45 appearances for the national team.
One fan reacted by posting:
"Dembele plays like he’s still a developing 19 year old man he’s almost 30."
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"Dembele when it comes to be the worst ever player," another posted
"Ousmane Dembélé in major tournament: 16 matches, 0 goals," one fan pointed out
"I hope I’m proved wrong because I absolutely love watching him play and think he’s immensely talented… But Ousmane Dembele’s record of 5 goals in 46 caps, 3 of which came in games against Kazakhstan, Wales and Gibraltar at the age of 27… Just isn’t good enough," another stated
"I’ll never understand how this Dembélé guy keeps getting called up to this France team. He’s too useless abeg," one fan wrote
"A flop no one talks about," another chimed in
"Awful player. Just has pace. Can’t pass and can’t shoot. Technically very poor," one fan claimed
"This guy and leao. I feel tortured watching them play. This minute they are dribbling nd the next minute, their decision making will make u question your sanity," another said
How did France fare in their 1-1 draw against Poland at Euro 2024?
France's shaky start to Euro 2024 continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Poland on Tuesday. They have finished second in Group D with five points, one behind leaders Austria, who defeated the Netherlands 3-2. This is also the first time Les Bleus have failed to win their group at a major tournament since Euro 2012.
Didier Deschamps and Co. dominated possession with 58 percent of the ball, attempting 547 passes with an accuracy of 88 percent. In contrast, Poland had 42 percent possession, attempting 402 passes with an accuracy of 85 percent.
France looked more threatening up front as well in the Euro 2024 spectacle but were unable to convert their chances, landing 19 shots in total with eight being on target. Meanwhile, Poland managed 10 shots with three being on target.