Mason Greenwood's first season with Marseille saw him finish as Ligue 1's joint-top scorer, and team-mate Adrien Rabiot has lauded the ex-Manchester United ace for his valuable impact
Adrien Rabiot of France talks to the media during a press conference
Adrien Rabiot has endlessly praised his Marseille team-mate Mason Greenwood
Former Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood has been praised by Marseille team-mate Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman claims Greenwood could have been like Jude Bellingham in regards to stardom.
Having emerged from the Red Devils' academy system, Bradford-born Greenwood swiftly made an impression under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and became the club's youngest European goalscorer at the age of just 17.
In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coersive behaviour. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service later discontinued these proceedings, and all charges were dropped in 2023.
Greenwood was suspended by United after his arrest and was sent out on loan to Getafe that year. A year later, he made the permanent switch to Marseille. In Ligue 1, Greenwood has flourished, scoring 21 goals to tie with PSG's Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembele atop the goal-scoring standings. Though some of his antics haven't gone down well with the club's fan base.
His peer in France, Rabiot, has now claimed that Greenwood is an "exceptional" talent, and that he could have had a brand image like revered England and Real Madrid star Bellingham.
"Mason is an incredible player," Rabiot told The Athletic. "If he hadn't had all of his problems, I think he'd have an image like (Jude) Bellingham. Mason would be the star.
"Because he's an exceptional player. He can score with his right foot and his left foot, he has an exceptional shot, and he can dribble. We're very lucky to have him. When he's really focused, he does really great things."
Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille finished as distant Ligue 1 runners-up this season and have therefore qualified for the Champions League. Greenwood aided massively in these efforts, though it has been made clear that he has little chance of being named in an England squad again, having made his debut and sole appearance in 2020.
Adrien Rabiot and Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille celebrate the 3rd goal during the Ligue 1 match between Olympique de Marseille and Toulouse FC at Orange Stade Velodrome
Adrien Rabiot has spoken highly about Mason Greenwood's impact
Bellingham, the subject of Rabiot's comparison, however, is talismanic for his country at the age of 21, two years younger than former Red Devil Greenwood.
Steve McLaren, who endured a short-lived stint at the helm of the Three Lions from 2006 to 2007, has been trying to tempt Greenwood into switching international allegiances to Jamaica, whom he now coaches.
As per conditions set by FIFA, players can switch international allegiances if they have not played in more than three competitive matches for a senior national side before turning 21.
Greenwood only kitted out once for England, in a 2020 UEFA Nations Legaue match against Iceland, and is therefore eligible to switch to the Reggae Boyz if he pleases.
"We are in contact all the time, with him [Greenwood] and his family," admitted Jamaica manager McLaren, who took up his current position in 2024. "I am very confident he only wants to play for Jamaica. It is up to him when he moves forward with that. The ball is in his court."
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