'Mason can do more!' - Marseille hero Greenwood given harsh reality check by Roberto De Zerbi after matching Ballon d’Or winner in four-goal showing vs Le Havre

The 24-year-old has become an integral part of Marseille’s plans since moving to France in the summer of 2024. He claimed a share of the Ligue 1 Golden Boot alongside Paris Saint-Germain frontman Ousmane Dembele last season - netting 21 times in the French top-flight.

He has found the target on seven occasions through 10 appearances in the current campaign, taking him to 29 efforts in total for Marseille from 46 games. Few arguments can be offered against his output, but De Zerbi still believes that there is more to come.

Greenwood emulated Ballon d’Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin against Le Havre, becoming the first player to net four times in a single league fixture for Marseille since their legendary former France international striker in 1991.

It is being suggested that Greenwood can form part of the global elite if current standards are maintained. When that claim was put to De Zerbi, he told reporters: “It's true that Mason can do more, not just in terms of goals scored because in that area he doesn't need to do better. He's already a top player in front of goal, but he can become one of the best players in the world, because he has the ability.

“He can improve in helping the team when it needs it, when it's necessary. But I want to protect Mason from criticism, he's always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement.”

De Zerbi has previously said of Greenwood’s efforts to unlock full potential, with some tough love being passed in the winger’s direction at times: “All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I'm here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give it. And when I need to push him to give more, I have to do that too because that's my job.

“I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Velodrome. There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered that way. And I'm trying to help him progress.”

Greenwood has shown that he can match Dembele’s numbers on the goal front, with the PSG superstar savouring a historic Ballon d’Or triumph in 2025. He is considered to boast similar qualities to World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe, who is now a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid.

De Zerbi has said of Greenwood rubbing shoulders with the best in the business: “If he wants to become a great player, he must run off the ball. I saw Mbappe, I saw Dembele pressing without the ball, and Greenwood has to do it too. He has worked on pressing, but not always. When he wants to, he does it, and he must understand that this effort is what separates the greats.”

Greenwood will be gracing the grandest of stages again on Wednesday when heading to Lisbon for a Champions League clash with Sporting. He has already faced Mbappe and Real at Santiago Bernabeu, while Marseille are now top of the Ligue 1 table - one point clear of dominant title holders PSG.

It remains to be seen what his future holds at international level, with the one-cap England international yet to be drafted into the Jamaica fold by ex-Manchester United boss Steve McClaren despite receiving clearance that allows him to switch allegiance to the Reggae Boyz.