08 May 2024 , 05:37
541
0
Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves conceded that Ousmane Dembele was "terrible" as PSG crashed out of the Champions League.
The Frenchman, a summer recruit from Barcelona, played in the front three for the Parisians as they failed to score in three hours of football in their semi-final with Borussia Dortmund securing a 2-0 aggregate victory to advance to the final and end the Ligue 1 side's hopes once more.
PSG hit the woodwork on numerous occasions but couldn't breach the German team's defence as Mats Hummels came up with the winning goal in the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night. The attacking talent of the French side couldn't see them make a second final in four years and, whilst all eyes were fixed on Kylian Mbappe, the two TNT Sports pundit singled out Dembele.
Ferdinand analysed: "I thought he was really quiet over the two legs. Dortmund handled him really well. This is unusual for Mbappe, we’re used to seeing him stepping up in the biggest moments and in the biggest games. All through his career he’s stepped up but he was subdued over the two legs.
"He wasn’t decisive, he wasn’t clinical. But you need to give Dortmund massive credit because they never allowed him to get one on one. I think more credit has to go to the team in yellow because Dortmund and the manager deserve so much credit."
Ferdinand in full agreement with Carragher over latest Maguire setback
Hargreaves then interrupted and asked his former Manchester United team-mate: "How poor was Dembele today?" To which Ferdinand replied: "He was terrible".
Dembele was up against the team he once played for, before forcing through a move to Barcelona back in 2017. The Frenchman failed to hit the heights expected at the Nou Camp and, following a move back to his homeland, is still trying to convince some of his doubters.
The PSG forward couldn't help his side breach the GermansHe, among others, will be expected to step up as the club prepare for the post-Mbappe era with the World Cup winner poised to join Real Madrid on a free this summer. The former Monaco man was unable to leave Paris as a Champions League winner, continually failing with his hometown club.
Manager Luis Enrique reflected: "When the result is that, yes it’s difficult of course. A tight match, but to be honest I think we have to win the match. We created 31 shots, four [times hitting the woodwork] – football is so unfair sometimes. But congratulations to them. They are a great team, they did a great job and I hope they can go to the final and win it."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our