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Michy the Key to Marseille’s Revival


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14th in Ligue 1 with only 3 wins from 11 games – Marseille are a club in trouble.

Their woes come as no surprise, however, when you consider the amount and quality of players who departed the club at the end of last season. Dimitri Payet, who created the most assist in Ligue 1 last season, left for West Ham while the attacking duo of André-Pierre Gignac and André Ayew both departed on a free.

Indeed, no fewer than 12 players left l’OM prior to the commencement of the current campaign, leaving the club in a perilous position.

The mass exodus from the club had an immediate impact on the field, with Marseille losing their opening games to Caen and Reims respectively. A 6-0 thrashing of newly promoted Troyes provided a hint of optimism, but such optimism was quashed when the club sank to defeats against minnows Guingamp and Angers in the following weeks.

The position in the Europa League is much the same for Marseille. Despite winning their open game against Groningen, the club then slipped to defeats against Slovan Liberec and Sporting Braga, leaving hopes of progression hanging by a thread.

Despite the countless negatives, however, there have been a few positives. The signing of veteran midfielder Lassana Diarra is proving to be an inspired move while the young Benjamin Mendy continues to impress in defence.

The biggest positive, though, comes in the form of Michy Batshuayi. The 22-year old striker has been a revelation up front for Marseille this season, leading Ligue 1 goalscoring charts in spite of the squad around him.

The Belgian international has been the key figure at the Stade Vélodrome this season. Michy netted a brace in the thrashing of Troyes earlier in the season before netting in wins over Bastia and Lille. His goals also earned Marseille draws against rivals Lyon and Lorient and he was on the score sheet in the each of the defeats to PSG, Angers and Sporting respectively.

Batshuayi is growing at a rapid rate at Marseille and his goal scoring form shows no hint of letting up. The 22-year old has netted 8 goals in 11 Ligue appearances so far and has complimented his tally with an impressive 3 assists.

Despite his tender age, Batshuayi is proving to be the key man at Marseille. His contribution up front has prevented Marseille from falling into complete obscurity and it will be in his form that the club will have to trust if they are to turn things around this season.

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