Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has had a mixed time Ruben Amorim this season.
After not being a regular early in the campaign, injuries saw him given more prominence recently. However, despite scoring against Crystal Palace, he hasn’t started the last two Premier League games.
All of this is going on whilst AS Roma hover in the background, preparing their swoop for the Dutchman.
Ex-Giallorossi sporting director Walter Sabatini has now spoken to Corriere della Sera about the 24-year-old’s situation at Manchester United.
He described Zirkzee as a player who makes him feel liberated, confirming Roma sporting director Ricky Massara’s interest in the process.
He said – relayed by CorriereGiallorosso: “I know he’s working like a blacksmith [Massara], with the same dedication. Zirkzee is a universal player. Even better – he puts you in a universal situation.”
Giving the Netherlands international some odd praise, Sabatini said: “When you see him play, you feel liberated. You breathe deeply.”
Gian Piero Gasperini has always liked strikers who are more than just goal-scorers. Despite limited game time at Manchester United, Zirkzee has shown that his best qualities are his link-up and ability to drop deep and give wide players space to run into.
This can make the Red Devils player a good fit at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Roma manager’s system has previously shown that it brings the best out of struggling strikers. Zirkzee needs that, as he looks to break into the Dutch national squad ahead of the World Cup next year.