Luis Enrique is convinced that Ousmane Dembele can enjoy an even more successful year with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025-26 after last season to Glory in Leiden.
Dembele registered 46 targets (33 goals, 13 assists) in all competitions in previous term, a totally alone was improved by seven players in Europe's top five competitions.
The Frenchman also became the first player to give two assists since 2018 in a Champions League final during their 5-0 triumph over Inter in June.
His 14 target use (eight goals, six assists) were also the second most by a French player in one season after Karim Benzema for Real Madrid in 2021-22 (17).
Dembele also helped PSG to complete a stunning comeback in the UEFA Super Cup and set up Goncalo Ramos for a late equalizer before his team won the title on punishments against Tottenham.
His displays have disadvantaged him this year's balloon, although he is confronted with heavy competition from Barcelona Duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as well as Mohamed Salah in Liverpool.
He was introduced in the action in the 61st minute of their opening day victory over Nantes, with only desire Doue (four) and Lee Kang-in (three) who created more opportunities (two, level with Fabian Ruiz and Ibrahim Mbaye) in the game.
“I think this season is a big challenge for Ousmane,” said Luis Enrique. “Last year was incredible, but I was convinced that he can undoubtedly improve his performance.
“You have to be very brave to say that (about Dembele), but I think he has the level. He is a very important player for us.
“He has quality in attack and also in defense. I can see how happy he is; I hope that this year will be even better.”
PSG will be looking for their undefeated start of their Ligue 1 title defense when they welcome Angers in the Parc des Princes this Friday.
It marks the first home game for the Parisens since their 3-1 victory over Auxerre on the last day of last season, with their return home to become a special occasion.
The club presents five trophies that they won last season, including their Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophy des Champions Crowns.
There will also be home debut for summer signing sessions Illia Zabarnyi and Super Cup hero Lucas Chevalier, and Luis Enrique enjoy the chance to be back on peat.
“It is very important for us to see our fans again and return to the Parc des Princes after 10 ex -matches,” added Luis Enrique.
“We really missed the stadium and the fans. We know that the atmosphere always makes a difference.”
Players to watch
PSG – Bradley Barcola
Despite the fact that the previous time -out he did not come on the score sheet against Nantes, Barcola was impressed by his dynamic displays and will be happy to end up on the bottom of the home floor.
Indeed, the Frenchman ended the game with a joint team-high for touches in the opposition box (nine, level with Ramos and Mbaye), while only Kang-in (10) played more crosses than Barcola (three).
Angers – Herve Koffi
After having held a clean slate from his Angers debut against Paris FC, Koffi can expect a much busier meeting on Friday in the French capital against PSGs with stars-lined attacks.
Koffi was the goalkeeper who made the most saves on the first matchday of Ligue 1 (seven, at least three more than anyone). It was also his highest count in a match at the top of the top, for his five against PSG and Nice.
Match -Forecast: PSG -victory
PSG has not lost any of their last 27 Ligue 1 matches against Angers (W20 D7). Only Monaco against Montpellier has a longer undefeated run against the same opponent in the history of the competition (32 between September 1994 and January 2018).
The Parisiens also won each of their last 10 League home matches against Angers, their longest current run against current opponents in the top flight in 2025-26.
And Luis Enrique wants a positive start for their home fans. Indeed, eight of the last 11 Ligue 1 champions have plagued in their first home game of a competition season (D1 L2), while none of the previous four had won (D2 L2).
In the meantime, Angers have lost four of their last five-out matches in Ligue 1 (W1), just as much as in their first 12 since the beginning of the 2024-25 season (W4 D4), but come under their belt in the meeting with a little shape.
They have won three of their last four Ligue 1 matches between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 (L1) seasons, a more than in their previous 13 (W2 D2 L9), but will get a huge test of their resilience here.
Opta wins probability
PSG – 82.6%
Tick ​​- 10.6%
Angers – 6.8%