Why Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue Could Be France’s Next Footballing Sensation

This week marks the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, with France emerging as one of the leading contenders aiming for glory.

Les Bleus face Croatia in a two-legged tie, with the return match scheduled at the iconic Stade de France, which could provide Didier Deschamps’ team with a significant home-ground advantage.

Key stars including Mbappe, Dembele, Kounde, and Saliba are making up the squad as anticipated, while the inclusion of young Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Desire Doue has certainly caught attention.

At just 19, Doue has had a remarkable breakout season with PSG, netting seven goals and offering 11 assists across 39 matches in all competitions.

After his move from Rennes to the French champions, he has notably bettered his previous statistics; at Rennes, he recorded 8 goals and 6 assists in 76 appearances.

Reflecting on his selection, Deschamps commented: “He has done everything to excel at his club. He has made significant progress; although young, he brings a lot of value to us. It’s beneficial that he is with us given his recent performances. Doue is versatile and can fit into several attacking roles.”

However, arriving late for his inaugural training session with the national team and receiving a stern message from Deschamps serves as a harsh reminder of the high standards expected at the international level.

If Deschamps chooses to field him against Croatia, whether from the start or as a substitute, there’s hope he will showcase the talent he displayed recently at Anfield.

The promising young player entered PSG’s Champions League clash against Liverpool in the 67th minute, making an impact with his dynamic movement and offensive intent.

Having the composure to net the decisive penalty in the shoot-out showcased his courage, as he calmly converted his spot-kick, reflecting the confidence PSG supporters have come to expect from him this season.

Desire Doue’s Passing Accuracy in 2024/25

This season has seen everything fall into place for a player renowned for his precise passing, demonstrated by an impressive 86.1% completion rate in Europe’s premier competition. This figure slightly increases to 86.2% in Ligue 1, indicating that, despite his youth, Doue displays a remarkable understanding of gameplay even under pressure.

Most of his passes are directed in the opponent’s half, with 422 out of 508 completed successfully in the top tier of French football. The trend continues in the Champions League, where he has been successful with 120 out of 142 passes.

Doue’s ability extends to his long passes, registering 23 successful long balls and 12 probing through balls that have found their intended PSG receivers.

His expected goals (xG) figure of 7.52 reveals a proactive approach to positioning, complemented by 24 shots from outside the box and 25 from within, demonstrating his self-belief in his abilities. However, with a shot conversion rate of 58.3%, there remains room for improvement in this area.

Doubling down on his physicality, he has successfully won just seven of 19 headed duels, which isn’t a natural strength of his game but is still an area for growth.

He has completed a solid 64 dribbles this season, leaving defenders astounded with his nimble footwork.

Doue is consistently proactive, eager to push forward swiftly when receiving the ball, and has shown a commendable focus on teamwork over personal flair this season.

His ability to time his runs is equally impressive, as indicated by just four offside calls against him, showcasing his tactical awareness when penetrating deep into opposition territory.

Defensive Skills Are Also a Strength for Doue

Player of such talent often are less noted for their defensive capabilities; however, Doue shines in this area as well.

Despite PSG’s attacking prowess, as highlighted in their recent match against Liverpool, they require diligent players who are effective defensively.

With 13 interceptions and a successful recovery of possession on 111 occasions, Doue is evidently equipped with the tools necessary to emerge as a central figure for PSG in the future.

Of the 47 tackles he has made this season, 32 have been successful, indicating his growing significance to Luis Enrique’s plans.

His ability to draw fouls has also contributed significantly to his team’s play, resulting in 44 free-kicks this season—including 11 in the final third—due to defenders’ fear of facing him.

Any player will testify that encountering an opponent surging towards you at speed instils fear. The unpredictable nature of Doue’s approach makes him a constant worry for defenders.

Importantly, he can effectively operate in various positions across midfield and attack, showcasing his versatility throughout his early career.

In summary, Desire Doue appears to possess the capacity to address any challenges presented to him thus far, and one can confidently predict his star will continue to ascend.