Boulaye Dia insists he has no preference between different tactical roles after scoring twice for Lazio in the Europa League win over Dynamo Kyiv. ‘Last season was not easy for me.’
The Aquile opened their UEFA account with a big 3-0 victory played on neutral turf in Hamburg and the striker was the star of the show with a brace, around the Fisayo Dele-Bashiru goal.
“I worked hard, because last season was not easy for me, but I want to do my best possible work, score and help the team win the game,” Dia told Sky Sport Italia.
Dia had been frozen out of the Salernitana squad last term, as he was upset at the failure of a deadline day transfer to the Premier League, then brought back in January with the team already practically relegated.
He moved to Lazio over the summer on loan with obligation to buy for €11.3m, and already has four goals in five games.
Ideal Dia start to life at Lazio
“We lost last Sunday against Fiorentina and it was important to turn the page straight away. We play every three days, there is no time to think about defeat.
“This evening we played well, scored three goals and then controlled the situation.”
The Senegal international has been playing as a support striker for Taty Castellanos, but this evening was a centre-forward, so he was asked which of the two roles he prefers.
“I do like playing both. When I have a striker by my side and I am the support, it is the same for me. I am scoring goals, so it’s not a problem.”
Dia almost had an assist to his tally as well this evening, as an inspired pass off the outside of the boot sent Pedro clear on goal.
“I have to make choices quickly and the pass has to be right, so it was instinctive. I would’ve preferred him to score, but he hit the post!”
The striker made the move from Salernitana over the summer, but his family has not yet found a house in the Eternal City.
“First I play football, then I have to find a house.”
Lazio take an early lead against Dynamo Kyiv within 4 minutes 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Q9FXqB4xCp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 25, 2024
Superb, not only Dia but Lazio as a whole. Credit to the players but even more so for Baroni, this was his European debut and 8 changes to the team that undeservedly lost in Florence , now I can say: yes Baroni has 20 starters and is not shy to use them.
👏🏻