Mason Greenwood fires Marseille to victory as Roberto De Zerbi hails striker's potential

Greenwood's goal, arriving late in the match, clinched a crucial three points at the Stade Velodrome and kept Marseille firmly in the title conversation sitting third on 32 points from 16 matches. Lens top the Ligue 1 standing on 37 points followed by PSG with 36

De Zerbi has repeatedly stressed Greenwood's ability to reach the very top of the game. Ahead of the Monaco matchup, the coach said Greenwood "has tremendous potential" and insisted "I don't see many players of this calibre in Europe" while suggesting the 24-year-old could one day contend for the Ballon d'Or. "It will be up to him to decide if he wants to do everything he can to fight for it," De Zerbi added, urging his star forward to sharpen his consistency and defensive contributions.

The victory was far from straightforward for the hosts, who had to withstand sustained pressure from Monaco throughout. Two goals for the visitors were ruled out for offside before Greenwood delivered the decisive blow, driving a precise finish into the top of the net from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's cut-back.

Greenwood has been central to Marseille's season, leading the club's scoring charts in Ligue 1 and carrying his threat into European competition with goals in the Champions League as well. His brace in a recent 3-2 win over Union Saint-Gilloise underlined his importance in big games.

Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, a key voice in the Marseille dressing room, described Greenwood as "one of the best" he has played with, highlighting his two-footed skill, pace and intelligence. That endorsement echoes De Zerbi's belief that, with further development, Greenwood could reach truly elite heights.

Marseille's victory over Monaco saw them consolidate third place in Ligue 1, maintaining pressure on the clubs above them as the season approaches the winter break. Monaco, by contrast, have struggled for consistency and now sit outside the European places after a difficult run of results.

For Greenwood, the focus now turns to sustaining his rich vein of form and answering De Zerbi's call for greater intensity across all phases of the game, with the potential rewards stretching far beyond the Velodrome.

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