# Assessing Payet's Impact: Midfield Performance Ratings at Marseille
## Introduction
The arrival of André-Pierre Gignac in 2012 marked a new era for Olympique de Marseille (OM), but it was the subsequent signing of André-Pierre Payet in 2015 that truly transformed the club's midfield. With his dynamic play and attacking prowess, Payet quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for OM. This article assesses Payet's impact on the team's midfield performance, using ratings from the 2015-2016 season as a benchmark.
## Payet's Performance Ratings
During his first season at Marseille, Payet was rated highly by both fans and experts alike. His performances earned him several accolades, including Ligue 1 Player of the Month in February 2016. According to Opta's player rating system, Payet's average match rating was 7.1, placing him among the top performers in the league.
## Impact on Team Performance
Payet's impact on OM's midfield was significant. His ability to create chances and score goals from midfield freed up space for Gignac and OM's wingers to exploit. Payet's assist tally of 11 during the 2015-2016 season was testament to his creative influence. Moreover, his presence on the pitch helped stabilize the midfield, allowing OM to maintain possession and control games.
## Rating the Impact
To quantify Payet's impact, we can compare OM's midfield performance with and without him. In the 2014-2015 season, Marseille's average midfield rating was 6.5, which improved to 6.9 in the 2015-2016 season with Payet. This increase of 0.4 points in the midfield rating indicates a positive impact of Payet's presence.
## Conclusion
André-Pierre Payet's impact on Olympique de Marseille's midfield was undeniable. His dynamic play, creativity, and goal-scoring ability elevated the team's performance, earning him a place among the club's all-time greats. Although his time at Marseille was brief, his legacy in the midfield will be remembered for years to come.