According to Metro - Main, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang described Dembele as the standout among many good players he has shared the pitch with, having played alongside the French winger at Borussia Dortmund when Dembele was a teenager. Aubameyang further predicted that Dembele could secure another Ballon d'Or, with the striker noting, according to Metro - Main, that his friend is a top contender for the prestigious award.
Aubameyang also opened up about his exit from Arsenal, stating that he had wanted to remain at the club but circumstances led to his departure. He reassured Arsenal supporters that he still considers himself a 'red man', maintaining a connection to the team despite his move.
I played with a lot of good players, but I would say Dembele.
Now at Marseille, Aubameyang has scored eight goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season, adding to his tally of 13 goals in 24 games during his stint at Barcelona. His contract with Marseille runs through June 2027, securing his immediate future at the French club. Looking ahead, Aubameyang said coaching is not his first idea, but he plans to stay in football and has begun management lessons to prepare for a potential role beyond his playing days.
In a separate reflection on Arsenal's recent history, Bukayo Saka named Mesut Ozil as the player who impressed him most during his time at the club. According to Daily Express - Sport, Saka described Ozil as a high-quality player who was fun to both play with and watch. Saka added, according to Daily Express - Sport, that Ozil operates in his own world, with some of his actions on the pitch being truly amazing to observe.
I don't know [who will lift the next award], but I would say Dembele because it's my friend.
Only a handful of current Arsenal players, including Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes, shared the pitch with Ozil before his tenure ended sourly. Ozil was omitted from squads by Arteta, and his contract was terminated early in January 2021, marking a difficult conclusion to his time at the club.
I wanted to stay, but s*** happens.
High quality player. Fun to play with him, fun to watch him.
He plays in his own world. Some of the things he does, and you look at him, just wow.