Luis Enrique praises Ousmane Dembele after PSG’s 6-1 Champions League victory

Luis Enrique praised Ousmane Dembele after the Paris Saint-Germain forward impressed in the 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, before insisting several of his players are capable of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Paris Saint-Germain made a strong start to their European campaign despite a difficult opening to the Ligue 1 season, in which they have drawn twice and suffered one defeat.

They dominated Slovan Bratislava from the outset, with Ferran Torres scoring a hat-trick and Dembele adding two goals. The France international also set up two goals for his team-mates, while Fabian Ruiz completed the scoring.

Luis Enrique made several changes to his starting line-up and rested a number of his leading players. Dembele played for only an hour as the club continues to manage his return to full fitness.

Speaking to Canal+ after the match, in comments reported by Foot Mercato, the Spanish manager said: “We did a great job and played very well.”

He then singled out Dembele for particular praise.

“Today, I think the player who surprised me the most was Ousmane Dembele,” said Luis Enrique. “What power! With the ball and without it.”

Asked whether Dembele’s display had been influenced by criticism from his manager, Luis Enrique replied: “No, no, this is Ousmane himself. When I see this level from Ousmane, it is very enjoyable. I enjoy watching him every day with these ambitions.”

Luis Enrique had substituted Dembele at half-time during the match against Rennes before giving him time away from the club’s training centre at the start of the season to help him recover his energy.

Several PSG players in Ballon d’Or contention

The manager was also asked about the Ballon d’Or race, with Paris Saint-Germain boasting a large group of nominees for the individual award.

“There is only one person who should choose the players who play,” said Luis Enrique. “I tried to select the best players for this match, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue are incredible players.”

He refused to limit his assessment to a single Paris Saint-Germain candidate when questioned about who could win the Ballon d’Or.

“Khvicha can win it, as can Dembele, Vitinha and Fabian,” he said.

“For me and our fans, this is wonderful. To have so many players who are capable of winning the Ballon d’Or.”

Although he acknowledged the strength of the club’s representation among the nominees, Luis Enrique said he was not particularly interested in individual awards.

“Our fans are chanting today: ‘Ousmane, Ballon d’Or,’ but in the future we may hear that chant for another player,” he added.

Paris Saint-Germain have 10 players among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Marquinhos, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho and Ferran Torres.