France captain Kylian Mbappé has publicly defended Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé following criticism of the winger’s performance in Les Bleus’ World Cup opener against Senegal.
Mbappé, who scored a brace in the 2-0 victory, insisted Dembélé was actually France’s most effective attacking player during the first half. Speaking ahead of Monday’s group stage meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia, the captain revealed he had reviewed the match footage twice to analyse the team’s display.
Tactical Impact Beyond Statistics
The 25-year-old highlighted Dembélé’s crucial off-the-ball movement for the opening goal, explaining how the forward dragged Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté out of position. This created the space for Michael Olise to deliver the assist that Mbappé converted.
“He was the best of the four attacking players in the first half,” Mbappé stated. “He’s the one who was best at making our play fluid.”
Mbappé elaborated on the tactical detail: “On the first goal, Michael is able to make the pass because Ousmane pulls Niakhaté out of position and I’m able to move into the space. You don’t see that on the statistics sheet, but it’s just as important.”
Injury Context and Squad Confidence
The captain reminded journalists that Dembélé is still recovering from an injury sustained at the end of the club season. He emphasised that the reigning Ballon d’Or winner retains the “full confidence of the squad and of the coaching staff, and he’s a very important player for us.”
“He’s very calm about it,” Mbappé added. “He’s been with the national team for many years, he knows how it all works, so there aren’t any issues and I’m sure that he’ll keep moving forward tomorrow.”
Mbappé also addressed his own role, noting he is comfortable playing across the front line. “I’ve played one World Cup on the right wing, one on the left, and at the moment I’m starting up front,” he said. “It shows that the position I play in is not that important, it’s more about the type of players I’m with.”
France currently top Group C following their opening victory and face Iraq on Monday.