Former Roma and Juventus star Zbigniew Boniek argues that Nicolò Zaniolo has ‘the potential to be an even better centre-forward than Dusan Vlahovic’ if used in that role.
The 23-year-old has taken up a number of positions so far in his career for the Giallorossi and Italy, largely on the right attacking side, but also as a support striker or in a deeper trequartista role.
He hasn’t really been used as a False 9 and Boniek believes his coaches Jose Mourinho and Roberto Mancini are missing a trick.
“Zaniolo has incredible potential. If you ask people what his position is, then everyone will give you a different response,” Boniek told New Sound Level radio.
“In my view, he is a classic Number 9. He can protect the ball, has physical strength, turns defenders well, is good in the air and can shoot.
“I always say when I see Vlahovic play that Zaniolo could do just as well, even perhaps better, because he also has this strong physicality. He really is a great player.”
Zaniolo’s career path has been affected by two serious knee ligament injuries that kept him out for the better part of two seasons.
The Italy international was able to play 42 competitive matches for Roma last term, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.
That included five goals and three assists in the Europa Conference League, which was won by Roma with his goal in the Final against Feyenoord.
the stats say it all. Zaniolo, 23 years old, scored 8 goals in 42 games – less than a goal per 5 games. Vlahovic, 22 years old, scored 7 goals in 15 games, just a bit below 1 goal per 2 games. How can Zaniolo be a better striker than Vlahovic? I don’t agree with Boniek
Unfortunately Boniek has gone senile like Capello. Shame. He was a good player.
how can great man like you say such a thing…. what a shame
zaniola should never become a striker – stick to being a wing forward and you go far
Background if u don’t know: Boniek was forced to leave Juventus, pretty much like Dybala.
Now u understand why he makes souring comments.
The fact that he didn’t actually say “Zaniolo a better striker than Vlahovic” seems to have gone over the heads of people here.
Shows how easily people are led around by the nose by fake quotes.
Irrelevant if Zaniolo gets his move to Juve as PhD Max will turn him into a defender or the new Mandzukic. He should stay put. Look at Kulusevski and how Chiesa’s form dipped before the injury.
Exactly, FERBAN.
Ros, Nicolo doesn’t play in the same role as Vlahovic. Abraham occupies that spot at Roma.
(Say hello to Rachel for me.)
Ferban – “…when I see Vlahovic play that Zaniolo could do just as well, even perhaps better.” That means that ‘Bonkersek’ thinks he is as good or even better than Vlahovic – which is just idiotic. Zaniolo hasn’t got the mental fortitude for a start, nor the physicality, nor the scoring rate of Vlahovic.
yes but if he ends up at Rube, Allegri will destroy his career as well… just look at Vlahovic
Dytraitor, juve made the right choice with greedy dybala. Thats the reason why nobody wanted him and he had to settle for 3 per mio. Greedy. Person with greedy Agent