Nayef Aguerd was one of the main architects of Marseille’s win at Leverkusen (1-0) in the Europa League. The Moroccan defender was praised by Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio for his role in the clean sheet.
Olympique de Marseille claimed their first win of the season in the Europa League on the pitch at Leverkusen (1-0). A success built on a solid defence, with Nayef Aguerd as its figurehead. The Moroccan centre-back delivered a high-level performance, recognised by the 7.5/10 rating awarded to him by Le Phocéen, which makes him co-MVP of the match alongside Amine Gouiri.
Starting in the centre alongside his teammate CJ Egan-Riley, Aguerd was imperious in the duels, invaluable with his anticipation and inspired in his interventions, according to the Marseille outlet. A performance that confirms his rise in the Marseille shirt.
An Aguerd-Egan-Riley partnership praised
After the match, Bruno Genesio made a point of highlighting the work of his centre-back pairing. “We had put a lot of emphasis on that aspect in the team talk, in the preparation for this match. That’s why I’m very pleased it turned out that way. Keeping a clean sheet and conceding very few chances is something to be proud of,” he said, according to OneFootball MadeInFOOT.
Marseille indeed did not concede a goal and gave away very few chances against Leverkusen. A defensive solidity praised by the coach, in a match that gave the Marseille side their first win of the season in the Europa League.
Aguerd, the boss of the Marseille defence
Starting in the centre, Nayef Aguerd was one of the main architects of this victory. Le Phocéen highlights his duels, his anticipation and his interventions, qualities that earned him the 7.5/10 rating and co-MVP status for the match alongside Amine Gouiri.
This performance is part of the Moroccan international defender’s rise in the Marseille shirt, progress that the Marseille outlet considers confirmed.
What’s next: Ligue 1, then Morocco
Marseille return to Ligue 1 in their next match, before the Morocco national team gathers for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The centre-back will then join the Atlas Lions, with the same responsibility at the heart of the defence, this time in Morocco colours.