Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mason Greenwood has the natural talent to compete for the Ballon d’Or, praising the striker’s goal-scoring form
MARSEILLE coach Roberto De Zerbi believes striker Mason Greenwood has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Italian made the comments ahead of his team’s Ligue 1 match against Monaco this weekend.
“Mason has tremendous potential. I don’t see many players of this calibre in Europe. For me, he has Ballon d’Or potential,” De Zerbi told a press conference.
He said it would be up to the 24-year-old Englishman to decide if he wants to fulfil that potential.
Greenwood has scored 13 goals already this season for the French club.
Since joining Marseille last summer, he has netted 35 goals and provided nine assists in 56 appearances.
De Zerbi acknowledged he sometimes asks for more from his star attacker, particularly in defensive work.
“I always want more, and I’d like him to be more consistent,” the coach continued.
He clarified he is not asking for excessive defensive running but wants more pressing intensity and better possession retention under pressure.
The coach was full of praise for Greenwood’s attacking qualities, however.
He cited a recent goal against Union Saint-Gilloise that left him “speechless”.
Greenwood controversially signed for Marseille in July 2024 after a loan spell at Spanish club Getafe.
He was previously suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following serious allegations.
Criminal charges against him were dropped by prosecutors in February 2023.
Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli also lavished praise on his teammate.
Rulli described Greenwood as “one of the best” players he has ever encountered in his career.
“He’s two-footed, he’s fast, intelligent,” the Argentine goalkeeper said. – AFP
