## The Double-Edged Sword: Impact of Cengiz Ünder’s Playing Time at Marseille
Cengiz Ünder's minutes on the pitch for Olympique de Marseille have represented both a tantalizing flash of brilliance and a significant strategic headache for managers. His impact is profoundly dualistic, capable of swinging momentum dramatically but also introducing unpredictability and defensive fragility.
When deployed effectively – often arriving fresh as a second-half substitute or driving forward from midfield – **his positive contributions are undeniable.** Explosive pace allows him to stretch defences vertically, creating crucial space for teammates like Ocampos or Harit to operate in wider channels. Direct dribbling beats opponents one-on-one, drawing fouls in dangerous areas (earning valuable set pieces) or cutting inside to unleash his potent shot, typically bent wickedly into the far corner. Crucially, he provides a unique *instinctive goal threat* lacking elsewhere; his mere presence forces opposing centre-backs into nervous positional errors. Memorable winners against PSG stand as testament. At his best, he dictates tempo and lifts crowds.
However, **the downside materializes quickly if overused or poorly supported.** Starting XI inclusion frequently exposed tactical imbalances. Marseille became vulnerable to counter-attacks down his flank due to limited defensive contribution; tracking back feels perfunctory compared to dedicated fullbacks. Ball retention suffers during possession phases because Ünder prioritizes individualism over patient buildup – leading to turnovers deep in their own half when pressured. This inconsistency frustrated fans accustomed to structured control under Sampaoli’s predecessors. Furthermore, relying too heavily on him bypassed other attackers, potentially causing resentment within the squad hierarchy.
Ultimately, optimizing Ünder meant careful dose control. Used judiciously off the bench to exploit tired legs or injected late in games needing spark, he was transformative. But attempting to build around him as a primary outlet consistently compromised Marseille’s stability. It fell to coaches like Tudor to find this delicate equilibrium – leveraging his game-changing talent without letting his liabilities sink the team. His legacy at Stade Velodrome lies less in total minutes played, more in how effectively those moments were harnessed.