OM – Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, the silent engine driving Marseille’s rise

An OM in trouble, then turning it around

At La Meinau, OM struggled. Trailing from the 49th minute after a goal from Ouattara, the Phocaeans spent a long time chasing the score against a combative Strasbourg. The defense held firm, Rulli saved his team, and the substitutes changed everything: Aubameyang with the equalizer, then Murillo with a liberating goal in stoppage time (1-2).

But behind this storyline, one player embodied resistance and then revolt: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

The conductor of the midfield

The evening hadn’t started under the best conditions for the Dane. A few risky passes, a hesitant start against Alsatian aggressiveness. But as the match went on, Højbjerg took control of the midfield.

High recoveries, directing play, a brilliant through ball for Paixão before the break: he showcased his sense of anticipation. Above all, he led by example with his relentless activity, multiplying runs and interceptions (4 balls recovered, 12 passes in the final third).

The decisive pass that changes everything

The turning point came in the 78th minute. After collective pressing, Højbjerg pounced to win the ball and delivered a pinpoint pass to Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker needed two attempts but eventually beat Penders. Marseille drew level, the match shifted.

A few minutes later, Højbjerg could even have been the ultimate hero: his glancing header hit the post with Penders beaten. In the end, it was Murillo who sealed the outcome, but the Dane’s role in this turnaround remained central.

Unanimous media

From L’Équipe to FootMercato, via La Provence and Maxifoot, all the analyses agree: Højbjerg was one of the driving forces behind the victory. Admittedly less dazzling than against PSG, but valuable and consistent. The sports daily described him as experiencing “a valuable rise in power in midfield.” La Provence emphasized his role as metronome and his ability to play the ball out cleanly under pressure. Maxifoot and FootMercato highlighted his intelligence in using possession, his sense of creating openings, and his defensive impact.

Already a leader?

Having arrived this summer to strengthen Marseille’s midfield, Højbjerg keeps proving his importance match after match. In an OM that still sometimes struggles with consistency, he brings calmness, clarity, and verticality. His decisive pass in Strasbourg perfectly illustrates this role: winning the ball, directing play, distributing.

With his experience and consistency, the Dane is establishing himself as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s natural leaders. And even if he isn’t always the one scoring decisive goals, he is often the hidden architect behind them.