Donyell Malen joined AS Roma from Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
The move had accelerated quite quickly, as interest from Atletico Madrid pushed Roma into the deal. The Dutchman then joined the Serie A side on loan with an obligation to buy.
The transfer paid off quite early, as the Aston Villa loanee scored on his debut against Lecce.
He hasn’t scored since but it’s clear that he suits Gian Piero Gasperini’s system. The 27-year-old started against Udinese and AC Milan, establishing himself as a regular.
Prominent Italian sporting director Walter Sabatini has spoken to Gazzetta dello Sport about the attacker. He predicted Malen to make an impact in Rome but it won’t be as prominent as the one made by Radja Nainggolan.
“As I said, there’s only one Radja, but the Dutchman is a really interesting player and will make a significant contribution. I see him making movements on the pitch that are like algorithms. I use this term so everyone is happy.”
Aston Villa arrival has talent which doesn’t need data to see
Donyell Malen Aston Villa
DEVENTER, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 23: Donyell Malen of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League, League Phase MD3 match between Go Ahead Eagles and Aston Villa FC
He also used an old-school scouting idea to speak well of Malen. Sabatini believes one can simply ‘smell’ talent.
“[It is] For those who think data tells everything. To see a player’s qualities, you still need to observe, smell them. Then data can help.”
So far, it has been quite clear that Malen enjoys the trust of Gasperini. For now, that is all that matters.
The Italian had gone on rants about the lack of transfer activity before the Dutchman joined. At one point, he even skipped a press conference in the fear of being over-critical. Perhaps, this led to Malen’s quick arrival.
Tactically, he is operating in the half-spaces and Gasperini’s system relies a lot on that. Apart from Malen, Roma only signed young Robinho Vaz and this should make the Aston Villa loanee a key signing.
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