Arthur Vermeeren quietly shaping Marseille’s midfield under Roberto De Zerbi | OneFootball

Arthur Vermeeren has become a quiet revelation for Marseille, a 20-year-old whose control and intelligence increasingly underpin Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield.

GetFootballNewsFrance.com notes that his rise has been swift, if uneven. A double-winning season with Antwerp was followed by a testing half-year at Atlético Madrid, a short reset at RB Leipzig, then a move on the window’s final day to Marseille.

De Zerbi had tracked him at Atlético and finally landed him on a loan-to-buy deal. Used sparingly at first, his influence has grown each week alongside the immovable Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

His first European start, against Ajax, showcased a dynamic, brave presence who was constantly available. Even in defeat to Atalanta he registered 116 touches, the most of any Marseille player.

Comfortable at the base or higher up, he marries calm ball retention with a strong defensive work rate. Opta data places him among Marseille’s busiest for tackles, pressing and recoveries, while high passing volume and accuracy show a player trusted to set the tempo.

De Zerbi has been demanding as well as protective. Early withdrawals against Angers and Sporting CP underlined the physical and mental adaptation still required, yet in December the coach described him as both the present and the future of the club.

Vermeeren accepts he is not yet the player he should be and believes he can do more. Marseille’s hierarchy are keen to make the loan permanent, viewing him as a long-term investment, and Champions League exposure is already part of his education. If nurtured well, the Belgian’s ceiling looks very high.

Source: GetFootballNewsFrance.com