De Zerbi: Greenwood’s Talent Could Lead to Ballon d’Or Glory

Mason Greenwood has been touted by his current head coach, Roberto de Zerbi, as a potential future winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The forward, currently playing for Olympique de Marseille, is enjoying a remarkable season, having already scored 13 goals across competitions, including the Champions League. His standout performance on Tuesday, where he netted two goals, helped secure a vital 3-2 victory for his team.

In a press conference held on Friday, De Zerbi expressed his confidence in Greenwood’s abilities, stating that few players on the continent can match his potential. “I see him every day; he has huge potential. I don’t see any other players in Europe at the same level,” De Zerbi remarked. He emphasized that it will ultimately be up to Greenwood to determine how far he is willing to go in pursuit of the Ballon d’Or.

“It is up to him to decide whether he wants to do everything he can to fight for it,” De Zerbi noted. He further elaborated on Greenwood’s natural talents, stating, “At the level of the qualities that nature has given him, that his parents have given him, I think he is worthy of the Ballon d’Or.”

Nonetheless, De Zerbi pointed out areas for improvement. “I would like him to be more consistent. I know he needs to press with more intensity and manage the ball better when the team is in trouble,” he said. These adjustments are crucial for Greenwood, who has shown flashes of brilliance but still has room to grow.

Greenwood’s journey has not been without controversy. The young forward was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following serious allegations involving a young woman. Although he faced multiple charges, including attempted rape and assault, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed in February 2023 that the case had been discontinued. At present, he is not being considered for a recall to Manchester United and may instead represent his country on the international stage in the future.

De Zerbi has taken an active role in pushing Greenwood to realize his potential. “The important thing is that he understands it in three or four years,” De Zerbi stated, indicating that he hopes Greenwood will reflect positively on their time together. “When he remembers me, he will say, ‘Ah, it was the coach who really took my head every day, but maybe in the end I managed to progress.'”

As De Zerbi continues to shape the future of Marseille, he remains focused not only on the team but also on the development of its star players. “I have to leave Marseille in a better situation than when I arrived,” he said. “Greenwood must be better than the Greenwood I took at the beginning.”

With the season progressing and Greenwood demonstrating his skills on the pitch, all eyes will be on the young forward as he aims to fulfill his potential and possibly contend for the Ballon d’Or in the years to come.