Donyell Malen was on fire for Roma on Monday night as he continued his fine start to life in the Italian capital after leaving Aston Villa
Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring goal 2-0 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio
Donyell Malen is proving his worth at Roma(Image: Getty Images)
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Donyell Malen gained plaudits in Italy for his brace in Roma's 2-0 victory over Cagliari on Monday.
The forward, who joined the Serie A side from Aston Villa in the winter window, has made a strong start to life in the Italian capital and now has three goals in four games since his January arrival. His first goal came courtesy of a through ball from Gianluca Mancini, which the Dutchman finished delightfully with a chip over Elia Caprile.
His second came half an hour later thanks to mazy wing play from Zeki Celik, who played a ball into the box and Malen was able to tap it in from close range to clinch all three points for his new club.
His potency since signing for the I Giallorossi already has head coach Gian Piero Gasperini comparing him to Italian legend Gianluca Vialli, who played for and managed Chelsea. After full-time, the smiling boss said: "I am convinced he will score a ton of goals this season, so we must know how to give him the right service for his characteristics.
"We’ve got quality in the attack that is difficult to contain now, as he has a vast repertoire. Van Basten was physically very different too, but I do see more similarities with Vialli, in his power, the movement to shake off markers, diagonal runs attacking the space.
"There is something in the Vialli mould." Italian media certainly made much of Malen's perfomance at the Stadio Olimpico.
Corriere dello Sport
Eager in giving Malen his props, Corriere dello Sport handed the 27-year-old a rating of eight out of 10, before stating just how dangerous he becomes when confident and playing regularly. They wrote: "Explosive as dynamite, delicate as a caress.
Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico
Malen has made a strong start to his Roma career(Image: Getty Images)
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"The first goal was beautiful, a testament to his abilities as a mobile centre forward. The second, equally precious, demonstrated a boundless voracity. Side note: when he gets going and lets off steam, he becomes unstoppable."
Eurosport
Iacopo Erba of Eurosport was wholly complimentary of the Dutchman, claiming his brilliance in front of goal is powerful enough to "change your life." He wrote: "The Dutchman was the undisputed man of the match, scoring twice to secure three crucial points for his side in the fight for Champions League [qualification].
"A decisive player, one of those who change your life and your prospects. A beautiful goal and another from a great centre-forward, as well as consistently spot-on movement: with him on the pitch, Roma finally has a world-class striker and makes a simply sensational leap in quality."
Il Messaggero
Also handing Malen a rating of eight, Il Messaggero said the forward was "unstoppable" and stated: "Poor [Alberto] Dossena will dream of him tonight. Simply unstoppable when set up. Rodriguez denied him after 10 minutes, but the Dutchman made up for it."
Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scored his second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio
The Dutchman has scored three goals in four games for Roma(Image: AS Roma via Getty Images)
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They glowingly discussed Malen's predatory instincts in front of goal in a victory that continues Roma's push for Champions League football. The media outlet continued: "Without any particular problems, led by a decisive Malen, who scored his first Italian brace and found his first victory at the Olimpico.
"Gasp's team dominated under the watchful eye of Francesco Totti, who was in attendance and cheered on by his home crowd. After several chances, Malen broke the deadlock, capitalising on Mancini's through ball and beating Caprile with a classy touch. In the second half, the Dutchman responded to a splendid move by Celik, who gifted him a chip ball to tap into the net."