Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has been branded 'a very interesting player' by Marseille coach Habib Beye ahead of Sunday night's Ligue 1 clash with Lyon at the Stade Vélodrome.

Signed from Belgian side Zulte Waregem for a reported fee of six million euros during the winter transfer window, Nnadi is yet to make his competitive debut for Marseille.

The former Nigeria U20 international was left out of the matchday squads for fixtures against Stade Rennais, Paris Saint-Germain, RC Strasbourg Alsace and Stade Brestois 29, a decision that raised eyebrows among the club's supporters.

The 22-year-old used Marseille's training camp in Marbella as a platform to impress Beye, who spoke highly of him ahead of the Lyon game. 

The former Aston Villa and Newcastle United right-back described Nnadi as a player with a rare combination of speed, impact and composure, highlighting his potential to become a key figure in the team.

In quotes relayed by Coeur Marseillais, Beye stated: "He’s a very interesting player because he brings a lot of impact, he’s very quick. He’s an available player who can cover a lot of ground and is very impactful. 

"He’s surprising because despite the intensity, he manages to maintain real control of the ball and can bring us the composure we need in the middle of the game. 

"When I arrived, I went to see him and explained that I only had 24 hours to make my decisions in Brest. But this week in Marbella, like all the players, has been of very high quality".

Nnadi has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Marseille, valid until the end of the 2029-2030 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel