De Zerbi Reveals Unexpected Star Player Joining OM for a Stronger Team

In a surprising move, Roberto De Zerbi has named Darryl Bakola as a starter for Olympique de Marseille (OM) during their recent UEFA Champions League match against Newcastle. This decision marked Bakola’s first starting appearance with the first team, after making five brief appearances earlier in the season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Decision

At just 17 years old, Bakola had only accumulated 24 minutes of playing time in Ligue 1 prior to this match. Coach De Zerbi praised the young midfielder’s abilities, stating, “He is a strong player. I expect him to play as he did when he was a child on the park next to his house.” This statement highlights De Zerbi’s confidence in Bakola amidst the high stakes of a Champions League match.

Performance Highlights

During the game, Bakola made a significant contribution by providing an assist to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. After 60 minutes on the pitch, he was substituted for Matt O’Riley, making a notable impact in his debut start.

Expert Opinions

Former player Samir Nasri expressed skepticism about De Zerbi’s decision. He remarked, “I think it’s bold. He is a player with quality, but I am unsure about his role. Typically, he plays as a relay midfielder, yet he is positioned behind the attackers. With everything at stake, it’s a huge pressure.” Nasri’s comments reflect the doubts some experts had regarding Bakola’s readiness for such an intense matchup.

Conclusion

Roberto De Zerbi’s choice to elevate Darryl Bakola in critical moments demonstrates his commitment to nurturing young talent at OM. The performance of Bakola may set the stage for his future contributions to the team as they aim for stronger results in the competition.