Bourama Dembelé announced himself with a goal in Granada's 3-1 victory at Córdoba, delivering a performance that belied his 18 years. The defender's maiden strike helped the visitors ease to three points and capped a composed display that earned him a 7.0 match rating.
It is rare enough for a centre-back to find the net, rarer still when that centre-back is barely out of school. Dembelé's contribution went beyond the goal: he looked assured in possession, read the game well and showed no sign of being overawed by a hostile away environment in the Segunda División.
Clinical finish, mature showing
Granada had the better of the contest from the outset, but Dembelé's goal provided breathing space after Córdoba had briefly threatened a comeback. His positioning at a set piece was intelligent, his finish clinical. The home side never recovered.
For an 18-year-old defender to register a goal and command his defensive third with such authority suggests Granada may have unearthed a talent capable of stepping up quickly. Dembelé has now made a mark that will be difficult to ignore, both in training and in selection meetings.
Granada return home with momentum. Dembelé returns with a moment he will not forget.