Ché Adams’ role at Torino is set to become increasingly important in the coming months as the Scotland international remains the most prolific striker at Paolo Vanoli’s disposal after Duvan Zapata suffered a knee injury that will keep him out of action for months.
Zapata left the pitch in tears in the Granata’s 3-2 defeat at Inter, and subsequent medical tests confirmed a cruciate ligament injury and a meniscus tear for the Colombian forward.
With three goals and one assist during his first seven league games with Torino, Ché Adams’ impact on Serie A had impressed everyone but wasn’t enough to become an undisputed starter. He came on as a substitute three times and was also subbed off after 32 minutes against Inter after his side was reduced to 10 men after Adam Masina’s dismissal.
Yet, the Scottish striker is now asked to pick up Zapata’s legacy, which will require him to improve some aspects of his game.
Torino to make Ché Adams leading attacking option after Zapata’s injury
While Ché Adams has scored as many goals as Zapata during this opening stretch of the Serie A season, the Scotland international benefitted a lot from the spaces generated by his attacking partner’s physical presence up front, which allowed him to drop deep and receive the ball with more freedom, acting as the glue between midfield and attack.
Now that he remains the leading option for the first striker position, Ché Adams will be tasked with taking up Zapata’s duties, which include shielding the ball, playing with his back at the goal and engaging in duels with defenders.
As reported by Toronews, the latter is notably an aspect where the Scottish forward needs to improve, as he only won 18 out of 38 ground duels and succeeded in just six aerial duels of the 19 attempted.
Also, while he is currently Torino’s best scorer, he bagged three goals from just seven shots on target, and coach Paolo Vanoli will presumably expect him to increase the number of attempts.
The Granata’s exciting start to the Serie A season was halted by two consecutive 3-2 defeats against Lazio and Inter, and they currently sit 7th with 11 points from seven games.