Amine Gouiri has quickly become a central figure at Olympique de Marseille since his €22 million transfer in the January window, but head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes the Algerian international still has much more to offer.
Gouiri, 25, has made an instant impact at the Stade Vélodrome, scoring eight goals in just 12 Ligue 1 appearances. His clinical form in front of goal has helped reinvigorate Marseille’s attack as the club pushes for a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Despite the impressive numbers, De Zerbi has made it clear that he expects more from his striker. Speaking to AFP, Gouiri revealed that his manager is demanding a more ruthless approach in the penalty area.
“He wants me to score even more,” said Gouiri. “He often tells me that I’m a number nine with the skills of a number ten. He pushes me to become a true ‘sniper’—a killer in the box—someone who can score all types of goals, not just beautiful ones.”
De Zerbi’s vision for Gouiri appears to go beyond technical brilliance. The Italian coach is determined to sharpen the forward’s instincts in front of goal, urging him to embrace the scrappy, opportunistic side of striking—something that can often make the difference in tightly contested matches.
For Gouiri, who has traditionally been known for his flair and link-up play, the challenge is to strike the right balance between creativity and efficiency. It’s a transformation he welcomes as he continues to adapt to De Zerbi’s tactical demands.
“I enjoy touching the ball, combining with others, helping to build the play,” Gouiri explained. “But I also want to be the one finishing moves. In this system, I feel very comfortable playing as a number nine. I can drop deep, make runs, and also be there at the end of the action.”
The forward’s evolving role comes at a crucial stage of Marseille’s season. With only a handful of matches remaining, the club is locked in a tight race for a Champions League place, and Gouiri’s goal-scoring form could prove decisive in determining whether they achieve that ambition.
His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game has made him a valuable asset. While his natural inclination is to play a creative role, Gouiri is embracing the idea of becoming a more complete striker—one who combines finesse with the relentlessness required at the highest level.
De Zerbi’s faith in the player is evident, but so too is his desire to push him beyond comfort zones. As Marseille chase European qualification, the relationship between coach and striker is shaping up to be one of the most compelling aspects of the club’s run-in.
Gouiri’s journey from promising talent to match-winner is well underway, and under De Zerbi’s watchful eye, the next chapter could see the Algerian forward transform into one of Ligue 1’s most feared finishers.
