The question of merit at the center of choices
The Olympians' great victory on Sunday evening to kick off the new year perfectly illustrated what Roberto De Zerbi has expected from his players since the start of the season. By establishing Bilal Nadir in midfield in place of Ismaël Koné, although recruited for 12 million euros this summer, by moving Adrien Rabiot back into central defense and in place of Lilian Brassier when the score could have allowed the he former Brestois to relaunch himself, by bringing Elie Wahi and Jonathan Row into play at the end of the game, the Italian technician applies a simple principle: to be able to play, you have to deserve it.
Rongier: the example to follow
Therefore, there is no question of favoring a player with a stellar CV or recruited for a good sum to the detriment of a teammate who is less flashy on paper but more deserving on the field, both during the week in training and on weekends in training. match. Journalist at RMC SportFlorent Germain recalls that Valentin Rongier, excellent on Sunday against Ciel et Marine, has come a long way and perfectly symbolizes this new Marseillaise meritocracy. While he was no longer playing at all, the former Nantes player resurfaced in a thunderous manner, to the point of being considered today by RDZ as “non-transferable”despite the interest from Stade Rennais in recent days.
Wahi on the right track
De Zerbi's idea is to make players with little playing time understand that they can, through their efforts, reverse the trend. Elie Wahi, who entered the game and scored on Sunday evening, seems determined to prove to his coach that, like Valentin Rongier, he deserves to find his place in the starting 11. It’s up to Ismaël Koné and Lilian Brassier to do the same.
