## Payet's Impressive Assist Count During His Marseille Stint
**Introduction**
When Andre-Pierre Gignac's name comes to mind in the annals of football, the immediate association is often his record-breaking scoring prowess at Marseille. Yet, there's an unsung hero in this story—Mathieu Valbuena, a French playmaker whose relationship with Gignac has been nothing short of legendary. It is Valbuena, however, who is often credited for Gignac's remarkable goals tally, with an impressive assist count to his name during his tenure at the Stade Vélodrome.
**The Impact Player**
Mathieu Valbuena joined Marseille from Dynamo Kyiv in 2013 and immediately made an impact on the French league. Over the years, his ability to deliver pinpoint passes into the dangerous zones made him a favorite amongst fans and teammates alike. With Gignac being his primary target, Valbuena orchestrated some of the club's most memorable performances.
**Record-Breaking Assists**
In the five seasons Valbuena played for Marseille, he set a club record with 68 assists in all competitions, with a high of 20 assists during the 2013-2014 season. His playmaking abilities were on full display during his Marseille stint, and it's no surprise that the club has notched up multiple Ligue 1 titles with these players at the core of their attacking play.
**A Team Effort**
Valbuena’s ability to find his teammates was a testament to his intelligence on the field. It wasn't just a case of Gignac running into the space Valbuena had vacated, but rather, the French playmaker knew exactly when to play his passes, often anticipating the movements of the opposition defense.
**The Legacy**
The bond between Gignac and Valbuena has left an indelible mark on the Marseille faithful. Although Valbuena left for Arsenal in 2018, his legacy as a pivotal assist provider continues to shine brightly in Marseille's history. His 68 assists serve as a reminder that the most memorable performances in football are often the product of exceptional teamwork, and that behind every great goalscorer is often an unsung hero in the form of a skillful playmaker.
**Conclusion**
Mathieu Valbuena’s tenure at Marseille is marked by his extraordinary assist count, which highlights his role as the mastermind behind the team's attacking prowess. With an assist rate that continues to place him amongst the elite in Ligue 1 history, his legacy with Marseille remains as one of the club’s greatest ever playmakers.