Dembélé is unparalleled because he chooses to be

We know that wingers now invariably cut inside, seeking their dominant foot, much like Mané Garrincha and his contemporaries always hugged the touchline, staying as close to the chalk as possible. And the 'little bird,' an angel with crooked legs, would sometimes even wait for his opponent, only to dribble past him again… on the very same side.

Today, we know they can even be offered the flank, yet it holds no allure for them. It's undeniable. They are no longer mere supporting cast members but central figures. At a certain point, they burst forward. Perhaps the defender anticipates the moment, perhaps not, but more often than not, they're already behind, perhaps off-balance, which, without defensive cover, can definitively open the path for a 'side spin.' It's like Rafa Nadal unleashing that tremendous forehand for the decisive 'passing shot.'

There's another more or less accepted truth, albeit an empirical one: a left-footer's right foot is often considered 'blind' compared to a right-footer's left. It's often joked that it's barely good enough to step onto a bus. However, this was never said about Dembélé. He was never like that. His right foot is far superior to the professional tool of many right-footers, and his left is a lethal weapon. He's ambidextrous. In control, dribbling, and finishing, which makes him unpredictable, both in open play and from free-kicks and penalties. Because Robben was Robben, and the Frenchman likes to keep all his options open.

After injuries plagued him for much of the season, his hat-trick against Norway, scored with both feet, is an excellent sign of his resurgence. Even if it means he's back on the right wing, pushing the brilliant Michael Olise into a central role.

It's true that the Vikings didn't bring their best to the battle and were more negotiators than conquerors, often shooting themselves in the foot. But this is a France team that now sees everything with such ease, one that doesn't even need everyone at their peak to maintain cruising speed. An avalanche is forming, painted in blue.