One To Watch: Amar Dedić, Marseille's Bosnian breakout star

Since signing from Red Bull Salzburg, Bosnian defender Amar Dedić has been making a positive impression for Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille side.

Against Saint-Étienne last Saturday, Olympique de Marseille defender Amar Dedić made a highly promising Vélodrome debut. One of Bosnia and Herzegovinia's most promising young talents, Dedic grabbed an assist with a superb header across for Adrien Rabiot - and almost capped his performance off with a fantastic mazy solo run which beat most of the ASSE defence and almost scored a sensational goal. Now, it seems that Quentin Merlin has some real competition on his hands to start at left-back in OM's defence.

The youngster has endeared himself to Marseille supporters in just two appearances since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in the winter transfer window. Against Angers at Stade Raymond-Kopa, the Bosnian was energetic and lively, before impressing further in front of fans at the Vélodrome last weekend.

"Yes, he’s a player with strong legs who can be decisive against deep defensive blocks. His speed, strength, and changes of pace…" said OM head coach Roberto De Zerbi in his press conference last week. "But he needs to adapt to our league and our country. The style of play at Red Bull clubs is completely different from mine. It will take time. He hasn’t trained with us much, but when he reaches 100%, he will be an important asset."

High praise from mentor Miralem Pjanic

Speaking with local Marseille media outlet La Provence, mentor and friend Miralem Pjanic gave some insight into how the Bosmia international is settling in at the Phocéen city. "He’s really on fire, on cloud nine right now. It’s all he talks about. When he sees the stadium like that, he wants to give his all, he wants to make an explosive impact. Everything is great, but above all, he’s here to improve."

"Amar needed a new challenge; he had done his time at Salzburg. Plus, OM had been following him for a while. He has a great personality and fits easily into a group. I have no doubt about his adaptation. For me, among the new generation in the national team, he’s one of the few with real potential to have a great career."
 

Positional flexibility and energetic attacking quality

Roberto De Zerbi has played Dedic on the left flank for Marseille in his first two appearances, but the versatile Bosnian doesn't seem to be hindered by his weaker foot. He was energetic, pacey, and showed signs of a high technical ability. He's constantly an offensive threat for OM in his minutes so far, looking for short combinations with midfielders as well as providing a great headed assist for Adrien Rabiot.

"His first touch, always directed forward, is an obsession for him. He constantly looks to create chances, take players on, overlap, or combine to get into the box," says Miralem Pjanic, an eager observer of his early performances at Marseille. "Now, to be decisive and consistent at the highest level, you have to be effective on both ends. Attacking is good, but defending too..."

Next up in Ligue 1 McDonald's, Marseille face a trip to AJ Auxerre as Les Olympiens hope to consolidate their second spot in the league, and try to make some ground on PSG at the top of the league. Dedic will be hoping to further impose himself as promising player for Marseille's near future.

WATCH: Marseille beat Saint-Étienne 5-1 at the Vélodrome

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