Donyell Malen’s form for Roma since leaving Aston Villa in the January transfer window should now make him the Netherlands’ starting striker at the World Cup.
PSV Inside report on comments from analyst René van der Gijp. He believes that there can be no doubt about Malen’s role this summer.
Aston Villa flop to Roma hero
The Dutch striker has been flourishing at Roma since joining them in the January transfer window on loan from Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has 14 goals in 18 games in all competitions for the Italian side to date, including four assists. He’s already surpassed the 10 goals and two assists he managed in 46 games for Aston Villa.
It’s been a dramatic turnaround for the striker, who struggled to find his place under Unai Emery at Villa Park. Indeed, the move has already been made permanent, with Roma using a €25m option to do so.
It’s also the perfect time for him to hit such form, with a World Cup around the corner. The Netherlands have issues up front, with Memphis Depay fighting for his fitness and Ronald Koeman yet to choose a firm alternative.
Netherlands decision clear
Van der Gijp believes there should be no debate.
“Malen now,” the former PSV player stated on Vandaag Inside when asked who should lead the Netherlands attack.
“As national coach, you have only one assignment, and that is to put the players who are in form in your team.
“If De Jong is in form, you put him in and if Gravenberch is in form, you put him in. If Reijnders is out of form and sits on the bench more often at City, you put someone else in.
The conversation then turned to Memphis Depay. But Van der Gijp wanted to shoot that down as well.
“His (Depay’s) disadvantage is that if he isn’t one hundred percent fit, he starts doing the craziest and most difficult things,” he added.
“Then he wants to turn away from three men. If he is in form, he drops the ball and keeps running. But you definitely have to put Malen up front, one hundred percent. He is in form.”
