Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé has delivered a candid statement ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, identifying one Arsenal player as a major source of concern for him.
During PSG’s final press conference before the high-stakes fixture, Dembélé was questioned about the biggest threats in Mikel Arteta’s lineup. Without delay, he acknowledged a particular opponent whose playing style gives him serious pause.
Dembélé stated plainly that he anticipated a difficult encounter because of one player’s aggressive tackling, admitting that the prospect of facing him was already unsettling.
Although Dembélé did not initially disclose the name, sources within PSG confirmed he was referencing Declan Rice, Arsenal’s formidable central midfielder known for his tenacity, strength, and consistency in high-pressure games.
Rice had already left a significant impression in the first leg of the tie, disrupting PSG’s attacks and making several key challenges, underlining why he is such a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s midfield.
His physical style of play and constant pressure have clearly resonated with Dembélé, who remarked that Rice gives attackers no breathing room and always seems to recover ground swiftly.
Supporters of Arsenal have reacted positively to Dembélé’s remarks, praising Rice’s role as a defensive anchor and predicting that he could once again be the decisive factor in the return leg.
With the semi-final set to unfold at the Emirates Stadium, Dembélé’s open concern has added psychological intrigue, potentially giving Rice an edge even before the match begins.
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