Leonardo Balerdi

His story at OM is a real emotional rollercoaster. Arriving in 2021, he has experienced it all. First, the promising youngster, then the "scapegoat" singled out by part of the Vélodrome with every mistake. But Léo, he has character. He worked hard, held on, and changed opinions. Last season, he was our vice-captain, an indisputable starter, a "Fans' Favourite." He went from the player we wanted to see leave to the one the club refused to sell to Juventus, considering him a key piece. This transformation commands respect. It shows he understood where he was. 

What makes Balerdi so special, and so frustrating at the same time, is his style. He's not just a defender; he's De Zerbi's first playmaker. The numbers are crazy: last season, he was number 1 in all of Ligue 1 for the number of offensive actions from the center, successful passes from the center, and even dribbles attempted. In short, he's the one who breaks lines, who takes risks to launch attacks. He's a modern libero, with exceptional passing quality and courage on the ball. But this risk-taking has its cost. His disciplinary record (9 yellows, 1 red in 27 matches) is too heavy. He needs to better manage his emotions, a weak point he himself acknowledged when he talked about the need for "a bit more mentality." 

His performance is, in fact, a mirror of the team's performance. When the attack is effective and converts chances, his bold passes are strokes of genius. But when the team struggles, his risks turn into turnovers that put us in danger. His inconsistency is not just a personal flaw; it is tied to the collective's efficiency. For this Champions League season, the challenge is immense. The talent is there, no one denies it. But to reach the level of a Mozer or a Boli, he needs that final step: maturity. He must perfect his judgment, knowing when to play it simple and when to try for the spectacular. It's time to become the composed leader that his talent promises him to be.