Ousmane Dembele’s assists against Hoffenheim show just how good Dortmund’s youngster can be

He’s only 19, but Ousmane Dembele is already turning heads across Europe with his dazzling displays of pace and skill.

The young winger was easily Dortmund’s best player in yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim. He assisted both goals and was dangerous every time he touched the ball.

We knew he had potential when he signed from Rennes over the summer, but seeing him fulfill it so quickly is a pleasant surprise. His play against Hoffenheim was really something special.

Look how easily he runs past the blue shirts on Mario Gotze’s goal. He loses the ball only when he’s met by two defenders at once, but he doesn’t give up on the play. His acceleration allows him to get to the loose ball, and he has the composure to find Gotze.

His second assist is even more impressive.

First, he touches the ball over a midfielder to find space on the right. Then he has the presence of mind to look for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tip-toeing along the backline. His through ball to Auba splits four defenders, and stays far enough away from a fifth so that only the striker can latch onto it. The rest is history.

Seriously, re-watch the goal and appreciate that pass. It may be the best one played by a Dortmund player all season.

Then finally, there’s this run.

The way he shrugs his shoulder just to sneak and run by a defender...it’s something Lionel Messi would do.

Lofty comparisons for someone so young, but BVB clearly have another special talent on their hands. And having only cost €15 million, Dembele was a bargain in this transfer market.

He’s growing quite quickly. Hopefully the injury he picked up isn’t serious, and hopefully he’ll continue this fine form after Dortmund’s winter break.