You've all heard of the football superstars, the ones with the thunderous goals and the gravity of legends. But have you heard of Mousa Dembélé? No, not the striker, the other one. The midfielder. The one they call a mate.

He wasn't some distant hero, this Dembélé. He was the guy you'd want on your team, the one who made the magic happen. His teammates, they didn't speak of him with hushed reverence, but with the warmth of friends sharing a pint. They'd tell you about the times he had your back, on the pitch and off.

His strength wasn't about knocking people over, it was the kind of strength that felt like a reassuring hand on your shoulder. His balance? Imagine the guy who could weave through a crowded room without spilling a drop of his beer. And his agility, oh, that wasn't some alien sorcery, that was the pure joy of your buddy busting out some killer moves at a wedding.

Dembélé, he was the friendly wizard in cleats. The one who reminded you that football wasn't just about glory, he was the guy who made the beautiful game even more beautiful, with a touch of magic and a whole lot of heart.

So, next time you hear someone rattle off the usual suspects, the Messis and the Ronaldos, remember Dembélé. He might be underrated, but to those who knew him, he was pure gold.

Douglas Luiz shares a similar profile as another player, but delving into that narrative is a tale for another occasion.