Olympique de Marseille (OM) is set to face a significant challenge as several of its key players prepare to depart for international duty. The tournament, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, will result in the temporary absence of nine international players from the Marseille squad.
This exodus is expected to compel OM’s head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, to turn to the club’s youth talent pool for solutions during this crucial period.
Among the emerging prospects, Bilal Nadir stands out as a prime candidate to step into the limelight, according to reports from La Provence.
Nadir, a midfielder, has already made six appearances this season, demonstrating his prowess in both domestic and Europa League competitions. Gattuso is reportedly impressed with Nadir’s performances and is considering integrating him into the starting lineup.
The 4-3-3 formation, with Nadir alongside Kondogbia and Veretout in the midfield, or a 3-5-2 setup featuring the same defensive midfield duo, are potential tactical approaches to be explored.
In addition to Nadir, other young talents such as Emran Soglo and Noah Mayoka-Tika could also find themselves thrust into the senior team during this challenging period. Gattuso, known for his astute managerial approach, recognizes the need for strategic reinforcements.
OM’s sporting director, Pablo Longoria, is reportedly actively working behind the scenes to secure potential signings that would bolster the squad in the absence of the international players.
Gattuso’s reliance on youth and strategic reinforcement exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the complex dynamics of a decimated squad during a major tournament like AFCON 2023.
