Luis Henrique: The Brazilian Swiss Army Knife
Gattuso Didn’t Succeed At Marseille, But It Is Looking Like He Saved Them Throwing Away Quite A Useful Brazilian Weapon.
Marseille's turbulent last season saw managers rotate fruitlessly.
The Stade Vélodrome, electrifying when fortunes are high, can crush spirits when results falter.
Players and managers alike simply crumble under the intense scrutiny, akin to a slow cook left on too long, they transform into mush under the pressure and heat of expectations at one of France’s most famous clubs.
Luis Henrique has been part of the Marseille world for a number of years but he has never really been part of their story until the turn of this calendar year.
The Brazilian was essentially a footnote and inches away from falling off the Marseille page altogether.
A far cry from the 22-year-old’s explosive start to this Ligue 1 season, from four Ligue 1 games the attacking winger has notched three goals and two assists.
From Surplus To A Must
The scary thing for Marseille fans is their new rising hero was almost shown the door before he could show them what he can do.
Remarkably, Henrique nearly exited in January of this year. Injuries and AFCON absences forced then manager Gattuso to play him.
Previously, Marseille had loaned Henrique to Botafogo, where he underwhelmed.
They considered even selling to recoup some his €8 million fee paid in September 2020 but at the end of his loan a deal could not be reached.
Brazilian suitors lined up a move back to his native homeland seemed inevitable, even Nantes tried in vein to procure him.
Lacking a defined role, Henrique struggled in French football and loan destinations until Gattuso deployed him as an inverted left winger.
Gattuso was so impressed with the former Três Passos player's performance against Moanco that he convinced Marseille's decision makers to retain the player.
Though Gattuso departed just weeks later in February, his tactical shift and faith unlocked Henrique's potential, transforming him from surplus to the growing sensation we are witnessing today.
Henrique's crucial penalty against Benfica clinched a Europa League semi-final victory.
This moment exemplified his value under new manager Gasset, who continued Gattuso's faith in the player.
Gasset particularly favored Henrique in European competitions, where his performances proved instrumental.
The win over the Portuguese giants highlighted Henrique's ability to deliver under pressure, justifying his regular selection.
In a moment of high drama, Henrique showed nerves of steel, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper in front of a frenzied Stade Velodrom crowd.
If he had missed, his fate might have been very different….
Henrique: A Manager's Tactical Chameleon
Versatility defines Henrique, offering endless strategic possibilities. His true prowess emerges when he receives the ball just beyond the halfway.
On the left, he defies expectations, cutting inside and creating chaos with his pace.
Confidence fuels his dribbling skills, now flourishing under stability. In an era of structured play, his direct approach unsettles defenses.
Physically imposing, Henrique's acceleration allows him to drive into space offering an out-ball that graces his own defence with vital periods of rest bite.
To reach his peak, he must refine his final delivery. Often, he seems unaware of the space his talents create.
With improved composure, his assist tally will soar.
De Zerbi provides what Henrique has long sought: positional consistency and regular playing time.
Henrique's stellar performances in Ligue 1 this season have thrust him into the spotlight.
His wonder goal against Nice only amplifies his growing reputation, to view click below courtesy of the Ligue 1 twitter page.
The Brazilian's rise mirrors Marseille's storied history with South American talent, echoing legends like Mozer, Brandão, and Sonny Anderson.
This young star embodies the hidden depths of Marseille's current squad, hinting at untapped potential yet to be fully realised.
With every match, Henrique and Marseille's venomous play intensifies, their skills sharpening like fangs ready to strike.
Will PSG fall victim when the sides meet in October? The hunt intensifies, venom courses, and the city of Marseille waits.