Roberto De Zerbi: Greenwood Has Ballon d'Or Potential
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| Roberto De Zerbi |
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi praises Mason Greenwood's potential, saying he has Ballon d'Or calibre.
“It's up to him to decide if he wants to do everything he can to compete for the Ballon d'Or...”
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi believes Mason Greenwood has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or, praising the English striker's tremendous abilities. De Zerbi told a press conference that he doesn't see many players of Greenwood's calibre in Europe, highlighting his impressive start to the season with 13 goals already.
De Zerbi's comments come ahead of Marseille's Ligue 1 match against Monaco, and he emphasized Greenwood's potential, saying "For me, he has Ballon d'Or potential". The coach's praise underscores Greenwood's growing importance to Marseille's lineup and his rising profile in European football.
“It's up to him to decide if he wants to do everything he can to compete for the Ballon d'Or. But based on his natural talent, he has that potential.” The statement reflects the high regard in which Mason Greenwood is held, following his impressive performances for Marseille.
Since joining Marseille last summer, Greenwood has scored 35 goals and provided nine assists in 56 appearances, making him the team's number one attacking weapon.
Despite his attacking prowess, Greenwood is sometimes criticised for his lack of defensive work, an area he may need to improve if he's to reach his full potential and compete with the best players in the world.
“I always want more, and I'd like him to be more consistent,” De Zerbi continued.
“But I'm not asking him to make 100-metre runs back. I was a number 10, not a right-back, I understand.
“But he can press with more intensity. When we're under pressure, he can retain possession better, avoid taking too many risks, and get the team out,” the Italian coach added.
“But then, when I saw his goal against Union Saint-Gilloise, his dribble like Drogba and the shot that easily beat a goalkeeper who's over two meters tall, I was speechless.”
“I hope that in a few years, he'll remember me and say to himself, 'The coach gave me a hard time every day, but I improved'.”
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi believes Mason Greenwood has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or, praising the English striker's tremendous abilities. De Zerbi told a press conference that he doesn't see many players of Greenwood's calibre in Europe, highlighting his impressive start to the season with 13 goals already.
“It's up to him to decide if he wants to do everything he can to compete for the Ballon d'Or. But based on his natural talent, he has that potential.”
Greenwood has scored 35 goals and provided nine assists in 56 appearances for Marseille since joining last summer. The 24-year-old is Marseille's number one attacking weapon, and his teammate Geronimo Rulli described him as “one of the best” players he had ever encountered in his career.
Greenwood's signing was surrounded by controversy, having been suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault, but prosecutors dropped charges in February 2023.
Two in a row for Mason? 🔟 🥇
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) December 12, 2025
October’s Ligue 1 player of the month is once again nominated for November 🏆
Vote for him right here 👉https://t.co/6yGc5yMatY#TropheesUNFP | ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/BAzEDyIy7K
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