Donyell Malen lifts the lid on his “enjoyment” at Roma following a sensational 8-goal surge. Read why the Aston Villaloanee feels he’s found his perfect home in Serie A and what it means for his future at Villa Park.
Donyell Malen’s excellent form at Roma has perhaps got Aston Villa questioning their decision to let him leave on loan.
Despite being the Villans’ top goal-scorer, up until his departure, the Dutchman was allowed to join the Italian side so he could start more regularly.
Seven goals in his first ten appearances for Roma so far this year has been an impressive start at the Stadio Olimpico. His success has been put down to Gian Piero Gasperini’s style of football, which he believes is better suited to his game.
Speaking to the Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Malen said, “We play very offensively, with a lot of pressure and many transitions. That suits me well.
“Maybe Italy suits me best. I haven’t been here that long. I’ve had a good start, and I want to maintain that. But I do think it suits me well in terms of space. And that the way we play suits me well too.”
Playing in his preferred position as striker, the 27-year-old will want to continue his form into the final stretch of the season.
“(I’m) just training well. I have the momentum. When you score a lot of goals, you feel good, and you want to hold on to that.”
His ability to drive at defenders with speed and his cutting edge in front of goals, traits Villa fans only saw in flashes, have been on full display for the Giallorossi.
The agreement between Roma and Villa includes an obligation clause that triggers if Roma qualify for the Champions League or Europa League, and Malen appears in 50% of the remaining games.
Has Villa made a mistake?
The regret felt by Villa supporters isn’t just about the loanee’s success; it’s amplified by the struggles currently facing Emery’s frontline. With Ollie Watkins out of form and struggling with his confidence, and Tammy Abraham yet to start a consistent run of matches, Villa’s lack of a goal-scoring forward has been glaring.
They have dropped points in recent weeks, often failing to break down stubborn low blocks. In those matches, a player with explosive pace and power like a man currently on fire in Italy, is exactly what they have been missing.
Heading into a crucial couple of months towards the end of the season, the pressure will ramp up. The need to qualify for the Champions League is a must, and there is no time for poor performances.
Whilst Malen may not have been best suited to Emery’s system, his clinical eye for goal could well have been useful for Villa.
In the hunt for silverware and elite European football, Villa will want to ensure that their objectives are achieved. Letting go of an in-form player isn’t a mistake they want to be hugely significant.
If they can navigate these defining few weeks with goals shared among their forwards, then the decision to allow Malen to leave,will be nothing more than a good profit-making deal.
