Mason Greenwood hailed as 'someone I really adore' by Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi as Italian coach reveals ex-Man Utd forward will be recalled

De Zerbi criticised Greenwood earlier this month, saying he "expected more from him" and dropped him to the bench. Now, the former Brighton head coach has praised the 23-year-old's efforts in training and opened the door to returning him to the starting lineup on Saturday at Reims.

He told reporters: "He's someone I really adore, just as I adore his father. He had a bit of a difficult time with the birth of a daughter. He's not used to playing intense seasons as a main player. He didn't push 100% and his physical condition declined. My project is to create something. Luis Enrique in Paris, he created a soul, a way of thinking, for example. He agreed to train before the group. He trained very well this week. When he pushes and feels good, in my team, he's the one who plays with 10 other players. If he doesn't, not because he's a bad boy, well he has to stay on the bench. Tomorrow, he'll play."

Greenwood has arguably been Marseille's best player this season, scoring 16 goals and bagging three assists. That is why many would have been shocked to see the one-time England international among the substitutes in their last two Ligue 1 games. De Zerbi is trying to make it clear that nobody is bigger than the team, while pointing to the harmony that Luis Enrique has instilled at Paris Saint-Germain. But it is a fine line as Greenwood has been linked with big transfer moves this summer, and instances like this may push him to seek an exit.

Greenwood, who swapped Manchester United for Marseille last summer for £27 million ($35m), will hope to be in his team's starting XI on Saturday at 4pm against Reims.