Geoffrey Kondogbia

Arriving from Atlético Madrid with the status of a player who has experienced the very high level, Geoffrey Kondogbia is a Marseille case study. Under contract until 2027 and considered a "key player" by De Zerbi, he embodies a dilemma. On one hand, a force of nature, with a titan-like physique (1.88m) and a left foot capable of breaking any line. On the other hand, a player whose presence in the infirmary is almost as notable as his presence on the field.  

When he's at 100%, he is that modern "destroyer," capable not only of recovering the ball but also of carrying it forward with devastating power. His defensive stats are solid: he is an effective tackler (79th percentile) and has an aerial presence (71st percentile). His passing quality is also very reliable (92.5% accuracy). The problem is that his creative contribution is almost non-existent (1st percentile in xAG), which confines him to a pure recovery role.  

It is this intermittence that divides fans. Le Phocéen perfectly summarized the general sentiment: "Between brilliance and declines." One match, he is the boss dominating midfield; the next, he is transparent or, worse, absent. This irregularity, caused by recurring injuries, is a luxury that OM can no longer afford, especially considering the stated ambitions. The comparison with the reliability of Højbjerg is cruel but necessary. One played 2,664 minutes in Ligue 1 last season, the other 2,020. The gap is there.  

The challenge for Kondogbia in 2025/26 is not to change his nature, but to be dependable. The question is no longer "is he good enough?" but "is he reliable enough?". With a substantial salary and increased competition, he no longer has a joker. He must string together matches and prove that he can be a stable foundation, and not a constant source of uncertainty.