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2 February 2017
Doria ready to step up at Marseille
During the Toulon Tournaments 2013 and 2014, Matheus Doria has impressed the observers as well as the competition’s founder Maurice Revello. The Sao Goncalo-born was the Seleçao’s captain during these two editions and has distinguished himself by his defensive abilities.
After the Toulon Tournament 2014, Doria has joined Europe as he moved from Botafogo to Olympique de Marseille. However, the start of his European career has not been what he had hoped for as he hasn’t played a single minute with Marseille in the 2014-2015 campaign. After six months spent in France, he was loaned out to Sao Paulo (Brazil).
The 2015/2016 season was difficult too for him as the Brazil international (1 cap) was loaned out to Granada (Spain) where he struggled for regular first-team football (only 8 La Liga games played).
After two difficult seasons, the Botafogo former player has undergone a resurgence as he forced his way into the Marseille first team plans. This season, Doria has already played 19 games in all competitions with the French side including 16 as a starter. Meanwhile, the Brazilian has scored two goals, both of them against Lyon (in Ligue 1 then in the French Cup). “I became more mature, I grew up. The European football is different from the football played in Brazil. I did some efforts and I’m focused on the future”, the Brazilian explained in a press conference on this Thursday.
Doria is now 22 and it looks like he has finally adapted to the European football and he seems determined to step up with Marseille. “My aim is to fulfill my potential. Marseille have the ambition to play European football in the next years. This project is real and I want to show that I have my place in this project”.
Doria has obviously an opportunity to cement his place in the squad. Now, he has to maintain his form to reach his aim.
Amayes Brahmi - Follow @AmayesB
Credits Photo : Olympique de Marseille / Yannick Parienti
