Amine Gouiri struck hard. Coming into play in the 64th minute against Metz on Saturday, the Algerian striker was doubly decisive with a goal and a assist, signing his best performance of the season. This remarkable entry logically relaunches the question of its place in the starting eleven. Roberto de Zerbi spoke at a post-match press conference on the situation of his center-forward.
De Zerbi maintains the suspense on gouiri
The Italian technician first justified the choice to leave him on the bench : “He did not start the match for tactical reasons, compared to the depth of which I told you about. »» An explanation that confirms that Gouiri does not always correspond to the profile sought according to the opponents. But De Zerbi especially wanted to reassure his player: “I'm happy with Gouiri, but I was already happy with him before. »»
The message is clear: this performance against Metz does not fundamentally change the coach's gaze on his attacker. “He had nothing to show me or to prove to me”, he insists, confirming that confidence was already present despite a complicated start to the season (no goal or assist in six appearances before Metz).
Competition with Aubameyang persists
These statements do not guarantee a tenure in the next match. The arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has rebatted the cards as a center forward, and the Gabonese remains the privileged holder. De Zerbi has also said on several occasions that Gouiri is “A game player, he likes to play and play others”, A profile different from that of Aubameyang, pure finisher.
By the next OM match, Gouiri will have the opportunity to confirm his beautiful form in Algerian selection during the World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda. What maintain the positive dynamics and perhaps definitively convince Zerbi to give him a place of holder.
