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Olympique Marseille: Smart transfers – and a controversy
A good example is Elie Wahi. The 21-year-old came from RC Lens for 25 million euros. With twelve goals and four assists, he did not have an extraordinary season that could make him an absolute top talent in the league. But as a type of player he is a great fit for De Zerbi.
On the one hand, Vahi has a strong finish and can be used flexibly offensively, but on the other hand, he is strong in combinations and knows how to actively participate in the game. This is an important attribute for the new coach’s combination football.
Transfers and Rumors: Leverkusen professional to move to Italy – Uduokhai deal officialMarseille also made shrewd purchases in midfield. Ismael Koné is a very strong dribbling, active and combination-proof figure eight who can add many facets to the game under De Zerbi. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who once played for FC Bayern among others and was loaned from Tottenham, brings experience and developmental qualities to the six-man position. These two transfers have only increased the technical quality in midfield.
In general, it can be seen from all the new additions that the focus was on strengthening the team’s decision-making ability in possession of the ball. The build-up play is at the heart of De Zerbi’s football. There is a big risk in putting your opponent under pressure if you don’t make good decisions under pressure and lose the ball easily.
But if the opponent has moved forward and you outmaneuver him, the pace helps in attacking. Apart from Vahi, Mason Greenwood is the most important newcomer from a sporting perspective. He showed what he was brought in for by scoring two goals against Brest. He was also successful against Reims. But part of the story is that this is the biggest trouble spot of the summer. The 22-year-old was suspended from Manchester United for attempted rape, intentional bodily harm and coercion.
Although the criminal proceedings were closed in 2023, a suitable transparent investigation into the allegations never took place. Even the mayor of Marseille commented on the transfer. “I don’t want my club to suffer embarrassment,” Benoit Payan explained. RMC.The transfer also divided fans.
It is also clear: if Greenwood continues to deliver services, all this will fade into the background. But if success is not achieved, there is a risk of explosion.
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