Aston Villa Stadium Villa Park
Donyell Malen has been making waves in Serie A under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, scoring five goals in five appearances for Roma. The Dutch forward, who joined on loan from Aston Villa in January, has found his stride, netting braces in his last two matches. With a permanent move on the horizon, Malen’s performances have sparked discussions about his potential and fit in Italian football.
Antonio Cassano said: “Malen is an excellent player, but Serie A is five steps below the Premier League. He was also a bench player at Borussia Dortmund. Gasperini really likes him, and he found the right player; Roma did well to sign him. Malen is perfect for this type of football. Emery is one of the best coaches in the world, he probably wasn’t at his level in England.”
Gian Piero Gasperini said: “I’ve always firmly believed in Malen: he has the best possible attributes a player can have in my opinion. This team needs a forward like him. He is often in a position to be dangerous, and his team-mates deserve credit too. He has just arrived and we can keep improving. Malen is not only good at penalties but also at free kicks. Of course, had we had Malen in the first half of the season, we would have a few more points now. But we’ve grown in terms of attitude. We’ve won many games, but we’ve lost many head-to-head matches.”
Malen’s journey to Roma has been noteworthy, especially considering his initial struggles at Borussia Dortmund. His move from Aston Villa was driven by the club’s willingness to allow him more regular playing time as a striker. The decision appears to have paid off, with Malen thriving in a system that suits his style of play. Gasperini’s belief in Malen’s abilities has been evident, as the forward continues to deliver crucial goals for the team.
The Dutchman’s recent form has been instrumental in Roma’s improved performances in the second half of the season. Despite some setbacks, such as draws against Milan and Napoli, the team has shown growth in attitude and results. Malen’s ability to convert both penalties and free kicks adds a valuable dimension to Roma’s attacking options.
As Malen continues to impress in Serie A, the prospect of a permanent transfer becomes increasingly likely. His impact at Roma underscores the importance of finding the right environment for a player’s development, and Malen’s journey serves as a testament to his resilience and talent.
About The Author
