New article on the offal where Dembele who impressed everyone with his balance and silky skills talks about his first season in the league and his hopes for the next one. Let’s hope he starts it here.
After a promising debut season, Mousa Dembélé is already looking forward to the start of a second campaign in English football.
Since his arrival in SW6 last August, the 23-year-old has regularly been something of a talking point – impressing with his skill, poise and infectious desire for the ball. The Belgium international turned heads.
“It was my first year and when you come in you always want to do well and prove yourself,” Mousa told fulhamfc.com. “The Premier League is the best in the world and I’m very satisfied right now – although I can do much better.
“When a player arrives in England, from the very start people ask questions. Can they compete in this league? Will the play be too physical? Can he impose himself on matches?
“Ten months on I’m in a position where I can answer those questions. Yes I can. I have always had confidence in the way that I play and I knew from the very start that I could cope.
“It has been a real challenge, I cannot deny that. But I think I will become a much better player for the experience.”
Having announced himself in notable style, there is no doubt that Dembélé looks set to play a key role in the Whites’ future. His transition into English football has been relatively smooth so far, however, next season may prove more of a test for the mercurial forward – a challenge he is already relishing.
“Next year will be even better,” predicts Mousa. “Personally, my expectations will be even higher and I want to play a greater part for the team. Playing for Fulham against the big teams and world class players excites me.
“We will be playing in the UEFA Europa League too, and that is something that I am really looking forward to. I know that the Club did very well in that competition a few years back and I know we would all like to be successful again.
“It’s an early start for us, but we have to look at the positives – it is fantastic that this Club will be playing in Europe for a second time in three seasons. Fulham played some of Europe’s top teams last time, and it would be great to experience nights like that myself.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Players of his ilk have always been appreciated at the Cottage, from the days of George Best and Rodney Marsh to the more recent presence of Louis Saha and Luis Boa Morte. The Fulham faithful have always held a soft spot for a showman.
But as graceful off the pitch as he is on, Dembélé looks set to become a popular figure on the banks of the Thames for his humility as much as his skills.
“I think it’s important to have a good relationship with the supporters,” he explains. “They got behind us last season and even in that disappointing defeat against Liverpool they kept on until the end. The atmosphere is fantastic and when you walk out from the Cottage they are right there.
“I’m hopeful that we can have many things to celebrate over the coming years. They have welcomed me to their club and for that I am very thankful. When I see fans with Dembélé on the back of their shirt it makes me very happy. It’s nice to be appreciated and I would like to make them happy in return.”
