Olympique de Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has clarified his recent comparison between Algerian forward Amine Gouiri and former Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain.
Speaking ahead of Marseille’s Ligue 1 fixture against RC Lens at the Orange Vélodrome, De Zerbi acknowledged Gouiri’s promising start at the club but emphasized that he still has a long way to go to reach Higuain’s status.
“It’s something I would like him to become. Obviously, he is only a reflection of himself,” De Zerbi explained. “Higuain is an absolute champion, while Gouiri is a very good player, but he is still at that level.
What is needed is for him to maintain his qualities outside the box while adding more aggression and desire when he concludes an action.”
Gouiri, who joined Marseille from Stade Rennais during the January transfer window, has made an immediate impact.
In five Ligue 1 appearances for his new club, the Algerian international has scored three goals and provided three assists, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in De Zerbi’s attacking setup.
The Marseille boss believes that Gouiri’s development is largely a mental challenge, highlighting his natural ability in front of goal. “In my opinion, it is largely a mental issue.
He must shoot well, he sees the goals and has always scored a lot, whether at Nice or Rennes,” De Zerbi stated. “He played in a different position, and today, he wears the number 9 of OM.
Being the 9 of OM is an honor, a privilege, but also a responsibility: he must score and make the match move. I think he is a good player, a person of integrity, and that he can become an exemplary footballer for OM.”
With Marseille pushing to secure European qualification, Gouiri’s performances will be crucial in the coming weeks.
His early form suggests he could develop into the prolific striker De Zerbi envisions, but for now, the coach insists there is still work to be done before he can be compared to a player of Higuain’s caliber.
