OM: who will be the playmaker after Rabiot?

In search of the new number 10

With Adrien Rabiot’s departure, OM must find its playmaker. Matthew O’Riley, a recent arrival from Brighton, is the front-runner. But Amine Gouiri, Hamed Junior Traoré or Bilal Nadir could also seize their chance in a strategic role where De Zerbi expects creativity and efficiency.

O’Riley, the natural successor?

To fill the void left by Rabiot, OM have backed Matthew O’Riley. The 24-year-old Denmark international is coming off a difficult season at Brighton (12 starts, 2 goals, 2 assists), far from his sparkling standards at Celtic (19 goals and 18 assists in 2023–24).

Upon his arrival, O’Riley admitted he was surprised by how quickly the deal was finalized: “Everything happened very quickly, even though I’d known for a while that OM were interested.”

Above all, he emphasized his immediate connection with Roberto De Zerbi: “We share the same vision of football and how it should be played.” That full buy-in could ease his integration and make him the true fulcrum of OM’s play.

Gouiri, a credible option

Internally, Amine Gouiri remains a serious alternative. Technically gifted, creative, and capable of unlocking a defense, the Algeria international has struggled to regain his influence since the restart. A switch to the No. 10 role could give him a second wind, as tested against Paris FC.

If he manages to establish himself in that central role, Gouiri could become a key starter again and effectively complement the attacking profiles already in place.

Useful alternatives: Traoré and Nadir

Behind those two favorites, other names are ready. Hamed Junior Traoré, on loan from Bournemouth, brings versatility and an ability to secure transitions. He can play higher up if needed.

Bilal Nadir represents the youthful option. Still learning, he could benefit from the fixture pile-up to pick up minutes and surprise with his creative verve.

A key role for Marseille’s ambitions

Rabiot’s departure leaves a void but also an opportunity: to install a long-term playmaker in a central role for De Zerbi’s game. O’Riley has the early edge, but Gouiri, Traoré or Nadir could quickly reshuffle the deck.

At OM, the search for a number 10 isn’t just a tactical detail: it’s a crucial factor in mattering in Ligue 1 and on the European stage.