OM: Payet, an XXL entry that changes everything

With two decisive assists, attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet was the hero of Olympique de Marseille’s victory over AS Monaco (3-2) on Sunday in Ligue 1. With the departure of Gerson and the serious injury of Amine Harit, the Frenchman will probably have an important role to play in the second half of the season.

Dimitri Payet had a difficult first part of the season. Under the orders of coach Igor Tudor, the attacking midfielder of Olympique de Marseille experienced a real downgrading in sporting terms with now a substitute status.

Despite this situation, the 35-year-old had an impeccable attitude while maintaining a good mentality. And on Sunday, Phocen showed that it could still have a positive impact for the reigning vice-champion of France.

Payet, a hero with two decisive assists

However, when he entered the game in the 62nd minute, Payet was not in the best conditions. Clearly affected after his partner Amine Harit left on a stretcher, the OM captain needed a few minutes to get into action. Interesting for his availability in the game, the French international was decisive passer for the equalizer of Jordan Veretout, before obtaining then taking the free kick on the winning goal of Sead Kolasinac in the last seconds.

He was decisive. As I said, the encounter could fall on one side or the other. Monaco was very strong. He brought that mental toughness. It’s a new thing this season. We had great mental strength to go for the victory. When we equalized, the players were not yet satisfied. They wanted to go for the victory , appreciated Tudor in a press conference. Not 8/10 and named man of the match by the Maxifoot editorial staff (see Dbrief and Notes here), Payet was rewarded for his perseverance.

A bigger role in the future?

And very clearly, this copy could have an impact on his future Marseille. While he will be able to take advantage of the next few weeks to rest and then prepare for the second half of the season, the Reunionnais will probably have the opportunity to take on a more important role from January. With the departure of Gerson for Flamengo and the serious injury of Harit, he has in any case a shot to redistribute the cards. And yet, rather than pulling the cover after his fine performance, Payet thought of only one thing in the mixed zone: the Moroccan’s situation.

We are not going to talk about the match because winning, losing or drawing is everyday life. I think that in this match, something serious happened. We have a friend who is taking exams. We hope it will be as minor as possible. We dedicate this victory to him and we wish him a speedy recovery because it is very difficult, we knew where he was going to go tomorrow, confided the Marseillais. A collective state of mind that has awakened this OM in the Principality.

What do you think of Dimitri Payet’s performance? Can he still play a major role at Olympique de Marseille? Do not hesitate to react and discuss in the area add a comment …