Gerónimo Rulli didn't take long to make a name for himself at Olympique Marseille. The former Ajax goalkeeper saved a penalty for the second time since his return to Ligue 1 in Sunday's big match against Olympique Lyon and has been named in L'Equipe's Team of the Week.
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The Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, who departed from Ajax just last month, wasted no time in becoming a vital player for Olympique Marseille, especially in high-pressure moments.
On Sunday evening, during a highly anticipated Ligue 1 clash against Olympique Lyon, Rulli once again demonstrated why he is regarded as a top-tier goalkeeper. Facing Alexandre Lacazette from the penalty spot, Rulli made a crucial save, thwarting the French striker's attempt and keeping his team in the game. This was not an isolated incident; Rulli had already proven his penalty-stopping ability earlier in his Marseille career, having denied Romain Del Castillo from the spot during his debut. His stellar performance, which included six key saves, helped secure a 2-3 victory for Marseille in what was a dramatic, hard-fought match. For his efforts, Rulli earned an outstanding rating of 8 from the prestigious French sports newspaper, L'Équipe, cementing his status as the best goalkeeper of the matchday in Ligue 1.
Rulli’s brilliance under pressure comes as no surprise to those familiar with his career. He is no stranger to French football, having previously spent time in Ligue 1 during the 2019/20 season. Back then, Real Sociedad had loaned him to Montpellier, where he first displayed his knack for stopping penalties. In that season alone, Rulli managed to save two spot-kicks, laying the foundation for his reputation as a penalty specialist. To date, the four-time Argentina international has faced seven penalties in Ligue 1, saving four of them a remarkable statistic that has added to his growing legacy in French football. However, despite his successes in France, Rulli struggled to maintain his penalty-saving form during his time at Ajax. In the Eredivisie, both Julian Baas (Excelsior) and Xavi Simons (PSV) managed to beat him from the penalty spot, raising questions about his consistency at the time. Nevertheless, his performances since returning to France have swiftly put those doubts to rest.
In interviews following his transfer to Marseille, Rulli has expressed his satisfaction with life at the club and, in particular, his rapport with head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Rulli feels a deep sense of belonging under De Zerbi's management and has spoken highly of the team’s collective spirit. After Sunday’s thrilling match against Lyon, where Marseille played with ten men from as early as the fifth minute due to a red card for defender Leonardo Balerdi, Rulli shared his thoughts with DAZN. ‘This was an important match for the club, and we played with our hearts. The whole team, not just me,’ he said. ‘We played with a whole city behind us. If you want to win badly enough, you will win.’ His words captured the passion and determination coursing through the squad, a spirit that has become a hallmark of Marseille’s performances this season.
For head coach Roberto De Zerbi, the match against Lyon presented a significant challenge. With Balerdi sent off early in the game, Marseille was forced to play nearly the entire match with a numerical disadvantage. Despite this, De Zerbi remained optimistic and believed his players could overcome the setback. In his post-match remarks, he praised his squad for their mental resilience and courage. ‘I’m not surprised, but I’m very happy to see this mentality and courage in the players,’ De Zerbi said. ‘Throughout the game, I always believed in the victory. We struggled, but we became dangerous whenever we had the chance. We believed in it and told each other that we could make the city of Marseille proud.’
This victory over Lyon was more than just three points for Marseille it was a statement of intent. The team, already under immense pressure following a series of difficult matches, showed that they are capable of battling through adversity, even when reduced to ten men. The win also demonstrated De Zerbi’s tactical astuteness. Despite the early setback, he adjusted the team's approach, focusing on exploiting Lyon's vulnerabilities during key moments. Every time Marseille found an opening, they took full advantage, which ultimately led to their victory.
For Rulli, this performance was a reaffirmation of his quality as a top goalkeeper, particularly in high-stakes matches. His ability to make game-changing saves, including penalty stops, has brought a renewed sense of security to Marseille’s backline. His experience in Ligue 1, combined with his international pedigree as an Argentina international, adds depth to his leadership on the pitch. He has quickly become a leader at Marseille, guiding his teammates through tough moments with his calm, composed presence.
The relationship between Rulli and De Zerbi is a key component of Marseille’s current success. De Zerbi’s belief in Rulli’s abilities has given the goalkeeper the confidence to play at his best, while Rulli’s heroics in goal have provided a solid foundation for the team’s tactical approach. With Rulli between the posts, Marseille has the luxury of knowing that their last line of defense is in safe hands. This confidence allows De Zerbi to implement his strategies more freely, knowing that Rulli is capable of saving crucial penalties or making the game-winning save when called upon.
Looking ahead, Rulli’s form will be crucial for Marseille as they aim to challenge for the Ligue 1 title and compete in Europe. His leadership, coupled with De Zerbi’s tactical acumen, creates a strong foundation for the team’s ambitions. Marseille’s fans have embraced Rulli, not just for his shot-stopping ability, but also for the heart and determination he brings to every match. In a team that plays with its city’s pride on the line, Rulli has quickly become a symbol of Marseille’s fighting spirit.
As Marseille continues to build momentum, the future looks bright for both the team and their new star goalkeeper. With each save, especially in high-pressure moments like penalties, Rulli continues to prove why he is one of the most valuable players in Ligue 1. His journey from Ajax to Marseille may have come with challenges, but Rulli has emerged stronger, ready to lead his team to new heights in the seasons to come.
Updated: 11:00, 23 Sep 2024
