Mason Greenwood received mixed reviews for his performance in Marseille’s draw with Lille, as the ex-Manchester United star was branded “frustrating”.
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De Zerbi's side settle for a point on the roadTwo games left to secure Champions League qualificationGreenwood must provide attacking sparkFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Roberto De Zerbi’s side took in their latest fixture aware of the need to pick up a positive result in their ongoing bid to secure Champions League qualification. A dogged display against Lille saw the scores remain level until the 57th minute, when Amine Gouiri finally broke the deadlock. Marseille were unable to defend that lead, with Matias Fernandez-Pardo restoring parity in the 74th minute. Ultimately, both sides – with top-four finishes in their sights – had to settle for a share of the spoils.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Greenwood, who has taken in bench duty at times this season, played the full 90 minutes as Marseille went in search of another morale-boosting win. He has 18 goals and four assists in Ligue 1 action, but was unable to find the target against Lille. Much of what he tried did not come off, with the 23-year-old winger enduring a largely frustrating evening as his creative qualities were well contained.
HOW DID THE FRENCH MEDIA RATE GREENWOOD'S PERFORMANCE?
, who are notoriously difficult to please, gave Greenwood a rating of five. They said: “Aside from a few moments of collective play – a good ball for Murillo (34’) and a dangerous cross (43’) – he consistently chose individual options, even if it meant spoiling promising situations. Frustrating in his decision-making at times, he still managed to pose a threat and gain valuable yards with each touch.”
were slightly more positive in their review, as they said after awarding Greenwood a score of six: “Very enterprising, he continued to put pressure on the defense. He did an excellent job of dribbling before launching a cross close to the post, always dangerous.”
rated Greenwood at 6.5 and said: “Was back trying things out. While he didn't succeed in everything, the young Englishman really made a difference. We'll particularly remember his superb pass into Murillo's run in the first half.”
GettyWHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING ON SOCIAL?
The mixed response to Greenwood’s display continued amid fans watching on from afar. said: “Mason Greenwood is irritating when he plays like this. He loses the ball a lot, he's not technically sound, and he can't get a shot on target.”
On a similar theme, added: “34 minutes still no sign of mason greenwood vs lille, are you sure he's playing?”
In contrast, claimed to have “liked Mason Greenwood 's game even though he didn't score”, while said: “Mason Greenwood absolutely must be retained for next season. He's incredible.”