Having established himself in Olympique de Marseille’s starting eleven in recent weeks, midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has been putting together a string of solid performances. And the Belgian, with his qualities, could quickly become indispensable.
In the final stretch of the summer transfer window, Olympique de Marseille managed to secure the loan, with an option to buy set at 20 million euros, of RB Leipzig midfielder Arthur Vermeeren. Considered a great talent in Belgium, the 20-year-old still raised doubts after unsuccessful spells at Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig. But at OM, the former Antwerp prodigy is silencing all the doubters.
Vrmeeren, a unique profile in the Marseille midfield Impressive from his very first appearances in Marseille colors, Vermeeren has steadily earned the trust of his coach, Roberto De Zerbi. A starter in Marseille’s last three victories across all competitions, the Belgian has delivered a string of solid performances, demonstrating excellent work rate in winning back possession and, above all, a real ability to break lines with his runs and passes. Accurate in his distribution of the game, he has adapted well to form complementary partnerships in midfield with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Angel Gomes, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Darryl Bakola. Vermeeren always wants to play forward, he breaks lines, makes his teammates shine, plays simply… In short, he lights up the game and caught my eye immediately,” Ligue 1+ pundit Benjamin Nivet told La Provence on Friday. “He might need to add some physicality to his game, but he’s better in this area, he’s getting into his stride. We expect a bit more from him, even though he’ll never be a ball-winner. His intelligence allows him to win back possession.
The key man to set the pace In De Zerbi’s double pivot, Vermeeren now seems to have a clear advantage over his competitors, notably Matt O’Riley, to partner the ever-present Højbjerg. Thanks to his technical qualities, he appears to be the obvious choice to dictate the tempo desired by the Italian. ” Playing one-touch football, slowing the play with a lateral pass, accelerating with a vertical pass… Vermeeren can do it all. He’s a brain who always anticipates before receiving the ball and is always one step ahead. He’s a huge asset in the heart of midfield and is a major factor in Marseille’s good run of form ,” noted Nivet. At this rate, OM will readily pay the €20 million needed to permanently acquire Vermeeren.