Reporter
Calm in the Marseilles Storm
He’s only 20 years old, but already has a sharp mind and a mature game. Arriving at the very end of the transfer window, loaned by Leipzig with a purchase option, Arthur Vermeeren quickly established himself as one of the brightest surprises of the early season. His name, barely known to the general public a month ago, now echoes through a Velodrome captivated by his composure, his understanding of the game, and that rare impression: that of a player who makes others better.
Before the trip to Metz, he gave his first press conference, just like him: calm, sincere, and clear-headed.
“I needed a little time to adapt: to learn the coach’s playing style, gain confidence, feel comfortable in the team. Against Ajax, I was able to show myself for the first time, and I hope to have other opportunities,” he said, a discreet smile on his face.
A Planned Signing, Not a Gamble
Vermeeren didn’t arrive by chance. His name had already been circulating in the offices of La Commanderie last summer; Mehdi Benatia and Pablo Longoria had marked him as a perfect fit for Roberto De Zerbi’s style of play: intelligence, mobility, courage in building from the back.
“Arthur is a great player, already mature in his understanding,” Benatia remarked this week. “We missed out on him a year ago. If he keeps going like this, he’s made for Marseille.”
The former Royal Antwerp and RB Leipzig player chose the Canebière to relaunch his career, and it’s easy to see why: a demanding environment, a young team, a developmental coach, and a crowd that appreciates pure talent.
The player says it plainly:
“I felt Mehdi’s and the coach’s confidence even before this summer. That reassured me and made me feel good. I’m very happy with my choice.”
Ajax: The Game That Changed Everything
Starting for the first time on Tuesday against Ajax, he delivered a performance that made the whole Velodrome rise to its feet. 95% passing accuracy, one assist, well-timed interceptions, and above all, the impression that he was already “in De Zerbi’s rhythm.”
His interception on Klaassen before Paixão’s second goal went viral on social media: a simple, clean move, but one that revealed a rare reading of the game.
“In the Champions League, everything can come down to a single detail. We executed the plan well; we were decisive at the right moments.”
That night, Vermeeren earned his place in the hierarchy. De Zerbi was full of praise:
“He is both the present and the future of the club. He still has a big margin for improvement. When he becomes a little less shy off the pitch, he’ll be a leader.”
The Iniesta School
When asked about his role models, the answer comes instantly: “Andrés Iniesta is an example for me.”
The comparison may amuse some, but it’s not exaggerated: the same composure, the same control of tempo, the same taste for simple, precise play.
“My strengths are mainly vision, understanding the game, being one step ahead. With the ball, I stay calm and confident.”
In football often dominated by physical intensity and direct play, Vermeeren represents something different: subtlety. A player who thinks before acting, who plays for his teammates rather than for the stats.
This is the kind of profile the Olympian midfield was missing: a natural link between buildup and creativity, capable of absorbing pressure and speeding up play with a single well-placed touch.
A Mind Already Forged
His journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. After a tough period in Germany, with little playing time or rhythm, the Belgian had to rebuild himself.
“I went through a difficult period; I’m trying to build back my confidence, match after match.”
This level-headedness, rare at his age, has impressed the locker room. Aubameyang, Højbjerg, and Aguerd all praise his professionalism: never a word out of place, always the right tone.
And when he talks about competition, it’s with the same maturity:
“We have a very good midfield, lots of competition. But I can play with anyone: Matt (O’Riley), Pierre-Emile (Højbjerg)… the important thing is the team.”
The Present and Future of OM
In the short term, Vermeeren might benefit from Facundo Medina’s injury to keep starting regularly. But the objective isn’t to make him a starter by default: he’s already becoming a cornerstone.
De Zerbi sees in him a player to develop, capable of becoming the tactical engine of the Olympian project.
If all goes well, his €20 million purchase option will be triggered without hesitation. A significant investment, but a logical one: Vermeeren is built for long-term value.
Away from the flashy headlines, he’s building his place in true Marseille fashion: work, humility, passion.
This Saturday in Metz, he’ll take the pitch with the same philosophy: never overdo it, but always make others play better.
“These are the kinds of matches where we might relax, but we’ve learned. In Metz, we’ll need to stay 100% focused.”
An ordinary-sounding line, yet one that says it all: football intelligence, humility, consistency.
Arthur Vermeeren, 20 years old, already has the soul of an old sage at the heart of the fiery Velodrome.
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