Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele started the World Cup on a fine note, as the Les Bleus defeated Australia 4-1.

Dembele got an assist in that game, and put in a fine performance.

Speaking in a press conference after France’s 4-1 victory against Australia, Ousmane Dembele said that he wants to be a key player at this World Cup.

Dembele struggled in the last World Cup without getting a goal nor an assist, and he has said this World Cup would be different.

Asked what has changed in the four years that have elapsed since his last World Cup experience, the Barcelona star replied, “Lots of things. I had some difficult years. When you compare the match from 2018 and Tuesday’s match, there are lots of changes.

“I am coming into the tournament off the back of a year-and-a-half without an injury. I have aged, and become more mature both in my game and off the pitch.

“I am ambitious. I want to start matches. I want to be a key player at this World Cup. I want to score and to create goals.”

Dembele, now 25, also revealed that a lot has changed since his younger days when he when he was often criticised for his habits.

He added: “I think between the age of 19 and 25, you change. I think we have to erase this question because things have changed.

“It wasn’t how people might have thought. But it’s true that I am more mature and more responsible.”