Ousmane Dembele faces a significant challenge in securing his place within Didier Deschamps' France squad during the World Cup, despite an impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain. In the opening match against Senegal, which ended in a 3-1 victory for Les Bleus, Dembele's struggle to assert himself became evident.

While France displayed formidable attacking strength, Dembele's performance fell short of the pivotal role he plays at club level. His ambition to become a central attacking figure is hindered by the emerging partnership between Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, whose synergy has been crucial in driving much of France's offensive efforts.

Key points include:

• Olise, the Bayern Munich playmaker, has quickly developed a strong understanding with Mbappe.
• This partnership has relegated Dembele to the right flank, contrasting sharply with his central role at PSG, where he dictates play.
• On the national team, Dembele's positioning limits his effectiveness, as he makes way for the dynamic Mbappe-Olise duo.

Former World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu raised concerns about Dembele's utilization. "The key question is what to do with Ousmane Dembele," he noted, emphasizing the need to find a way to maximize his influence.

Despite entering the tournament in peak form, Dembele's starting position remains uncertain. Deschamps must not only find a spot for him but also define a role that allows him to replicate his club impact. Without this adjustment, the talented forward risks being sidelined.