'Frustrating' Mason Greenwood gets mixed reviews from French media after Marseille play out nervy draw with fellow top-four chasers Lille

Roberto De Zerbi’s side took in their latest fixture aware of the need to pick up a positive result in their ongoing bid to secure Champions League qualification. A dogged display against Lille saw the scores remain level until the 57th minute, when Amine Gouiri finally broke the deadlock. Marseille were unable to defend that lead, with Matias Fernandez-Pardo restoring parity in the 74th minute. Ultimately, both sides - with top-four finishes in their sights - had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Greenwood, who has taken in bench duty at times this season, played the full 90 minutes as Marseille went in search of another morale-boosting win. He has 18 goals and four assists in Ligue 1 action, but was unable to find the target against Lille. Much of what he tried did not come off, with the 23-year-old winger enduring a largely frustrating evening as his creative qualities were well contained.

L’Equipe, who are notoriously difficult to please, gave Greenwood a rating of five. They said: “Aside from a few moments of collective play - a good ball for Murillo (34’) and a dangerous cross (43’) - he consistently chose individual options, even if it meant spoiling promising situations. Frustrating in his decision-making at times, he still managed to pose a threat and gain valuable yards with each touch.”

Foot Mercato were slightly more positive in their review, as they said after awarding Greenwood a score of six: “Very enterprising, he continued to put pressure on the defense. He did an excellent job of dribbling before launching a cross close to the post, always dangerous.”

Le Phoceen rated Greenwood at 6.5 and said: “Was back trying things out. While he didn't succeed in everything, the young Englishman really made a difference. We'll particularly remember his superb pass into Murillo's run in the first half.”

The mixed response to Greenwood’s display continued amid fans watching on from afar. @scotthardy05 said: “Mason Greenwood is irritating when he plays like this. He loses the ball a lot, he's not technically sound, and he can't get a shot on target.”

On a similar theme, @ag10racing added: “34 minutes still no sign of mason greenwood vs lille, are you sure he's playing?”

In contrast, @BABACAR03656167 claimed to have “liked Mason Greenwood 's game even though he didn't score”, while @CousOM_ said: “Mason Greenwood absolutely must be retained for next season. He's incredible.”

Marseille remain second in the Ligue 1 table, where they have spent much of the season, but are only one point clear of third-placed Monaco and just two points separate them from Strasbourg in sixth with two games left to take in.