Two goals and an assist! Mason Greenwood had a dream evening on Tuesday in Brussels, against Union Saint-Gilloise (2-3) in an absolutely decisive match for the rest of Marseillais’ European campaign.
In the wake of his previous Provençal exercise which had delivered great promise – 22 goals and 6 assists in 36 matches – the 24-year-old winger continues to deliver high-level performances, like his superb double during the 6th day of the Champions League.
Positioned as a second striker alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the player trained at Manchester United then moved back to the right to offer the best of himself: he was thus involved in the three achievements of his team via a backheel for Igor Paixao (15th), a strong strike (41st) and a very nice individual number (58th). After twenty appearances this season, the man who joined OM in the summer of 2024 already has thirteen goals and four assists.
“I knew what I had to do and I scored”
After the meeting, he delivered his analysis to Canal +: “It was important to take the three points, we needed them. They put a lot of pressure on us but we held the score (…) The second goal is my favorite, it’s a great pass, I didn’t need to look, I knew what I had to do and I scored. »
Often mentioned at press conferences, the Greenwood case is no longer really debated on a sporting level – unlike the previous year when his performances were more fluctuating – and Roberto De Zerbi regularly insists on the complete profile of his No. 10, while also pointing out his room for improvement.
“He is one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment. Beyond his qualities, he must also learn to manage the balls and have more control. That doesn’t mean I’m not happy with what he’s doing. In these moments, it also comes through him to allow us to suffer less by putting more control into the game,” pointed out the Italian coach towards him in the auditorium of Lotto Park, Anderlecht’s usual lair.
Still perfect for the duration of a match
Among its partners, the observation is clear and unanimous. “One of the best players in the team” according to Argentinian goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, “I compare him to the best players in the world” according to Danish international Pierre-Émile Höjbjerg – with whom the tone was slightly raised in training last season – “the flagship player of OM” for midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.
There still remains one element that can be improved for those who are looked after on a daily basis by their father: their ability to be consistent throughout the duration of a game. “We know what he can do during the match. Afterwards, he must continue to work to gain consistency. But I’m very happy, very happy for him. I know how he experiences football,” explained Rulli, joined by Höjbjerg: “He can improve on continuity throughout the match but what he does here gives us a lot of good. He’s a nice guy: he deserves what he gets. »
On the podium for the club’s best jersey sales over the last two years and frequently receiving a standing ovation at the Vélodrome, Greenwood enjoys great popularity among the Olympian faithful, despite his cases of domestic violence dating back to the time when he played at Manchester United (he had been accused of attempted rape, physical and psychological violence against his partner before the charges were dropped).
This Tuesday evening, in any case, he launched OM perfectly on the road to the play-offs. Confirmation is expected on January 21 against an old acquaintance… Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Worth a look
