Ousmane Dembele, the most dangerous player in the world according to CIES

The Football Observatory, CIES, has unveiled its ranking of the world's best players based on their creation index. Ousmane Dembele leads the list while Kylian Mbappe stands in fourth place.

Dembele, who arrived from FC Barcelona for 50 million euros, is still striving to convince fully at PSG. Despite everyone acknowledging his activity and ability to create danger near the opposing area, he faces particular criticism for his lack of finishing in front of the goal. Despite providing four assists in 15 games, the French international is yet to score wearing the Rouge et Bleu jersey.

Despite his goal drought, Luis Enrique continues to put his trust in him, fielding him in PSG's key matches. "I am in love with Ousmane's style of play and I see no issue with him," stated the Spanish coach a few weeks ago. The recent data from the Football Observatory, CIES, backs his decision as Dembele stands as the player generating the most opportunities worldwide this season.

Ousmane Dembele stands out

To calculate this, CIES assessed a creation index by adding the number of key passes (passes leading to an opportunity) and the expected decisive passes (equivalent to expected goals but for passes) per 90 minutes. All this weighed against the sporting level of matches played (as a percentage difference from the overall average). Only players who have played at least 630 minutes in the league were considered.

In 90 minutes, Ousmane Dembele averages 2.45 key passes and 0.27 expected decisive passes. This, with a +28% rating given by CIES for the sporting level of the PSG player's matches (Kylian Mbappe has the same percentage as both play for PSG). Hence, the French winger stands as the most threatening player with a creation index calculated by CIES of 2.36 points.

A high average of key passes

Apart from leading the table, Ousmane Dembele holds a considerable lead over the second-placed Leroy Sane (1.92 points). While there's a gap of over 0.40 points with the closest pursuer, only 0.18 points separate second-placed Moussa Diaby in fifth position (1.74). Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe sits at the foot of the podium with 1.87 points (1.95 key passes and 0.20 expected decisive passes every 90 minutes).

However, Ousmane Dembele, with 0.27 expected decisive passes, holds a significantly lower average than the other two on the podium, Leroy Sane and Nico Williams. While the Bayern player has 0.46 expected decisive passes, the Spaniard has 0.41. It's in the number of key passes where the PSG winger easily outperforms his two competitors (2.45 against 1.62 and 1.54 every 90 minutes).