OM – Nayef Aguerd, leader of a reborn defense

An Already Decisive Arrival

Barely landed, Aguerd set the scene. After scoring his first goal against Lorient, he struck again in the Classique, with a powerful header in just the 5th minute. This liberating goal was not just a decisive play: it was a symbol. The symbol of a signing who immediately makes an impact in big matches and who is already writing a new page in Olympian history.

A Defensive Rock

Beyond the goal, it was in his primary role that number 23 made the difference. Commanding in duels (5 won out of 7), flawless in tackles (100% success) and valuable in building from the back, he brought reassurance to the entire Marseille defense. Alongside Pavard and Balerdi, Aguerd embodied an iron wall, capable of containing the Parisian waves and keeping a clean sheet.

Praise from Mehdi Benatia

In the mixed zone, Mehdi Benatia showered his compatriot with praise. Marseille’s director of football hailed him as “a major reinforcement,” capable of raising his game in big matches and bringing newfound composure to the backline. With Pavard and Balerdi, OM now has a defensive trio capable of competing with the biggest attacking forces in Ligue 1 and across Europe.

A Lightning-Fast Integration

Questioned after the match, Aguerd paid tribute to the club and the staff: “It feels like I’ve been here for a year. It’s not my role to score, but if the opportunity comes, I won’t hesitate.” Humble yet determined, he embodies the spirit advocated by De Zerbi: total commitment, immediate adaptation, and undiminished ambition.

The Symbol of a Rebuilding OM

In a fiery Vélodrome, Aguerd did more than score the winning goal: he left a lasting impression. After years of defensive fragility, OM finally has a leader at the back. Solid, charismatic and decisive, Nayef Aguerd is already more than just a signing: he is one of the new faces of an OM that aims to grow, challenge the established order, and reclaim its status as a European giant.