Mason Greenwood is no longer the same player. The English striker, who arrived in Marseille with the nonchalant crack label, is experiencing a spectacular metamorphosis which constitutes the most beautiful responses to Manchester United. Under the leadership of Roberto de Zerbi, the Olympian number 10 becomes this full player that the Red Devils have never managed to shape.
Greenwood, from nonchalance to exemplarity
“I would like him to become a full player, a team player,”
asked Zerbi before the match against Strasbourg a week ago. The Italian technician quoted as an example Raphinha at Barça or Mbappé in Real, players capable of pressing with intensity and determination. A few months later, the message went. Greenwood is no longer this egocentric crack that was content to score without participating in defensive efforts.
Against PSG during the classic, then against Ajax in the Champions League, English showed a completely different face. Repeated defensive races, constant pressing, total involvement in the tactical plan: Greenwood has become this example that his teammates follow. “” When he runs, everyone follows him ”,
Underlines of Zerbi, a sentence reminiscent of Luis Enrique's requirements towards Mbappé.
The lesson held after the closet
This transformation is not the result of chance. Last season, from Zerbi did not hesitate to put his talent on the bench when the effort was not there. Rabiot had even pointed out certain behaviors in the locker room, indirectly targeting English. The message was clear: goals are not enough for OM.
Greenwood understood. With 3 goals and 4 assists in 8 games this season, he is now combining offensive efficiency and defensive involvement.
“I showed him images of Raphinha”explains from Zerbi. “He made a great match on Monday against Paris, with even a race in the second period when he was broke. You have to do this in every game, not one in five. »»
This evolution makes Greenwood much more than a simple scorer: a real leader capable of pulling Marseille upwards. The most beautiful revenge on Manchester United.
