Marseille Rely on Youth to Bounce Back Against Lens: De Zerbi’s Bold Lineup

October 26, 2025 by Ayush Kumar

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Three days after a disappointing result in Lisbon, Olympique de Marseille is eager to regain its rhythm. Following a 2-1 defeat to Sporting in the Champions League, OM has little time to dwell on the setback: this Saturday at Bollaert, they face a rejuvenated and ambitious RC Lens.

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Roberto De Zerbi, true to his footballing philosophy, has chosen not to react defensively but with innovation. His starting eleven, revealed just hours before kick-off, carries two notable surprises.

De Zerbi Places Faith in Youth

The new inclusions are concentrated in the attacking and creative zones. The Italian coach has opted to start Robinio Vaz and Bilal Nadir, two promising talents emerging from the Marseille academy.

Vaz, 18, has impressed in every appearance with his composure and fearless approach.
Nadir, quieter but industrious, will act as the link between the lines in a revised 4-2-3-1 formation.

It’s a calculated gamble: “hunger and ambition to improve”, two qualities De Zerbi consistently praises in his young prospects.

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This decision mirrors the message from his pre-match press conference: to recover through proactive football, not caution. Despite a squad hampered by fatigue and absences (Kondogbia, Traoré, Medina, Gouiri), De Zerbi continues to prioritize youth and collective strength over relying solely on experience.

An Offensive and Adventurous Lineup

Marseille’s lineup is built for speed, pressing, and dynamism:

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Goalkeeper: Rulli
Defense: Murillo, Balerdi, Aguerd, Emerson
Midfield: Højbjerg and O’Riley for balance, with Nadir orchestrating behind the attacking trio
Attack: Greenwood, Vaz, Weah
Bench: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, rested after Lisbon, ready to energize offensive transitions

The objective is clear: surprise Lens through mobility, intensity, and high pressing.

Against Pierre Sage’s Sang et Or, OM anticipates a fiery contest at a packed Bollaert. Sage has already stated, “We will never present ourselves as victims”. OM must demonstrate resilience while maintaining their attacking philosophy. De Zerbi, who was recently critiqued by Sage, is taking a bold stance: proving that his footballing principles can withstand adversity.

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Youth as a Statement

Beyond tactical choices, the selection sends a strong message: De Zerbi is constructing for the future while competing for today. Robinio Vaz and Bilal Nadir symbolize the fresh energy of an OM ready to evolve under pressure.

This match at Bollaert is more than just a restart; it’s a declaration of intent from a coach guided by conviction rather than caution. Should youth continue to flourish, OM may well rebuild momentum where it previously faltered.