In OM’s victory at Leverkusen (0-1), Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd contributed to a defence that kept a clean sheet, a solidity praised by head coach Bruno Genesio.
On Thursday 5 November, on the pitch at Bayer Leverkusen, Olympique de Marseille claimed their first European win of the season (0-1), after three defeats in the first three matchdays. Nayef Aguerd was tasked with keeping tabs on Patrik Schick.
The Moroccan international defender won important duels alongside centre-back CJ Egan-Riley, according to Football Club de Marseille. His header was blocked by Tapsoba’s arm in the 37th minute, without the referee awarding a penalty.
A 7.5/10 rating for the Moroccan
Football Club de Marseille gave him a rating of 7.5/10. Aguerd also contributed to OM’s attacking situations, notably with that blocked header in the 37th minute.
Before half-time, he also blocked an attempt from Quansah.
Genesio hails the clean sheet
After the match, Bruno Genesio stressed the importance of the defensive work: “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 happy that it went that way,” he told OneFootball/MadeInFOOT.
The coach continued: “Not conceding a goal and giving away very few chances is a source of pride and an important step forward that we will have to confirm.” OM’s next match will take place after the international break.
Genesio also praises Egan-Riley
Bruno Genesio also highlighted the performance of CJ Egan-Riley, his partner at the heart of defence. “It’s one of his best defensive matches. He won a lot of aerial and ground duels. It wasn’t easy against Patrik Schick, who is very imposing,” he said, as quoted by Maxifoot.
Thanks to this defensive performance, OM kept a clean sheet and brought the three points back from Leverkusen. For Aguerd, the run continues: the defender is expected to be called up by Morocco to face Niger on 13 and 17 November.