Trained at Paris Saint-Germain, Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe, now a midfielder for Stade Brestois, continues to follow the evolution of his former club closely. In an interview with Foot Mercato, he shared his thoughts on his journey, his admiration for the work of Luis Enrique, and the challenges faced by young players at PSG.
Dina Ebimbe, 25, rose through the ranks of the PSG training center before experiencing successive loans to Le Havre and Dijon. These experiences eventually led him to leave the Parisian club permanently. He recalls a time when the team was studded with international stars, making it difficult for young talents from the training center to emerge.
"It will be special to meet PSG again," he said, expressing deep respect for the work accomplished by Luis Enrique. According to him, the Spanish coach has elevated the club to an exceptional level, creating a high-performing collective with players who were not necessarily stars at the start. He emphasizes the importance of the confidence given to young players by Enrique, a stark contrast to his own experience at the club.
Dina Ebimbe wonders what his career could have been if a coach like Luis Enrique had been present during his years in Paris. He observes the rise of players like Vitinha, once criticized and now considered one of the best midfielders in the world, as an example of what could have been possible with better support.
"We cannot know what turn my career would have taken with him. He develops young people, matures them, gets the best out of them," he explains. He qualifies this, however, by acknowledging that he and Xavi Simons may not have had Vitinha's level at the time, but regrets the lack of opportunities and the difficult context for young players amidst the stars.
The Cameroonian attacking midfielder has played 27 Ligue 1 matches with Stade Brestois this season, contributing to a remarkable performance by the team. Brest is currently in third place in the league, in contention for a Champions League qualification.
The evolution of PSG, with increased confidence in young players, suggests a potentially different future for talents from the training center. A reality that evokes in Dina Ebimbe a mixture of nostalgia and hope for future generations.
