Azzedine Ounahi came on as a second-half substitute in the match between FC Nantes and Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday - and scored a magnificent goal (0-2) to cap a perfect debut for his side.
That's what we call an impressive debut. Four days after joining Olympique de Marseille, Azzedine Ounahi has already won over the Marseille fans with just a few touches of the ball and a piece of individual brilliance. The Morocco World Cup star made the perfect start to his adventure with the southern giant as they took on FC Nantes, sealing a 2-0 victory in R21 on Wednesday evening.
In injury time, the former Angers SCO player found Jonathan Clauss with a subtle outside of the boot before skinning Andrei Girotto with a right-footed touch, an inside check and a second outside touch before hitting a slick finish past Alban Lafont. A very "ish ish" goal - that little noise characteristic of North African dribblers - as his teammates pointed out after the game.
A new solution of choice for Igor Tudor
"He has talent. He still has to find his form, he has to adapt to our style, but the talent is there, we knew it", said his coach Igor Tudor after the match, visibly pleased with his new recruit's debut. "He is incredible."
The World Cup semi-finalist scored on his very first attempt with OM - after not scoring in 23 attempts with Angers in Ligue 1 Uber Eats this season.
Winning coaching
The Moroccan's promising debut confirms Marseille's ambitious winter transfer window campaign, but competition for game time will be fierce. This is not an issue for coach Igor Tudor, who once again saw his substitution choices pay off thanks to a very deep bench.
Indeed, Azzedine Ounahi was the Croatian coach's fifth substitute to score in the top flight this season after Luis Suárez, Sead Kolasinac, Alexis Sánchez and Nuno Tavares. Only Monaco and Troyes (six each) have more goals off the bench.
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