CJ Egan-Riley: The first words of a soldier at OM!

Hi team, I hope you're doing well! Today, we're focusing on a moment that's always a bit special, a bit solemn: the first press conference of a new recruit. And this time, it's the young CJ Egan-Riley who has taken on the challenge. So, what should we take away from this first appearance? Let's debrief that together, 'à la H'!

More than just a player, a sought-after profile

What strikes you immediately with Egan-Riley is the serenity he exudes. You can sense a kid who was trained hard, in a demanding environment. When you come from Manchester City’s academy, even without breaking through there, you naturally have tactical and technical skills above average. And that's precisely what Longoria and Benatia were looking for.

Let's not lie to ourselves, we all raised an eyebrow when we saw his name come up. He's not the star player that all of Europe dreams of, we agree. But is that really what we need today? We need reliable players, guys who are hungry, who understand the project and are ready to dig in. His first words reflect this mentality. He spoke of "work," of "challenge," and of the "incredible opportunity" that OM represents. No empty talk, no empty promises. Just the desire to prove himself. And that, my friends, I like.

What place in De Zerbi's system?

The big question, of course, is where he will play. Versatile, capable of playing as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder, he's the kind of utility player that De Zerbi loves. We know that our coach likes defenders who can cleanly bring the ball out, who are not afraid to break lines with a pass. Egan-Riley fits all these criteria.

So yes, there will be competition. Gigot, Balerdi, Mbemba... It's no easy task to secure a place. But isn't that the very essence of a club like Olympique de Marseille? This healthy competition that pushes everyone to be better? His arrival adds depth to the squad and offers new solutions. He's not coming as a superstar, but as a soldier. And at the Vélodrome, we know how much these profiles are appreciated, and even cheered, when they give everything on the field.

We will be following this kid very closely, not putting an excessive amount of pressure on him, but with the demands that our jersey requires. Welcome to Marseille, CJ. Now, the hardest part begins!

Check out Seb's full analysis on this topic and many others in the latest video on the channel!