How a fringe player from Aston Villa became one of Europe's hottest

How a fringe player from Aston Villa became one of Europe's hottest

According to

Sports.

Background

Donyel Malan has taken a significant turn in his career, especially since his move to Rome. His 20 goals and 22 goal contributions have made him a key player in Serie A, and his success may serve as a source of inspiration for other players as well.

Why it matters

Donyel Malan's success highlights his performances in Serie A, where he has found a new life in Rome after struggling at Aston Villa. His goalscoring rate and contributions have made him one of the most influential forwards in Europe, an important indication to Serie A clubs of how the right environment and tactics can change a player's performance.

Key points

• How a fringe player from Aston Villa became Europe's best.
• Donyel Malan has made a spectacular improvement in Rome after struggling at Aston Villa, where he scored 20 goals..
• How an Aston Villa fringe player became Europe's most prolific scorer - Yahoo Sports.

Just eight months ago, Donyel Malan was struggling to make a significant impact at Aston Villa. Today, no player in Europe's top five leagues has scored more goals than him since his debut in Rome on January 18. The Netherlands international has experienced an amazing turnaround since joining Roma, having struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and has now become one of the continent's most productive forwards.

Since his Roma debut, Malan has scored 20 goals, more than Harry Kane (16), Lamine Yamal (15) and any other player in the same period in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1. He also leads the way in contributing with 22 goals, joining Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (20), Barcelona young star Lamin Yamal (19) and Bayern striker Kane (18). No player in the top five leagues of Europe has made such a contribution in front of goal.

The change has been huge for Malan compared to his time in the villa. In 46 matches for the Premier League club, the 27-year-old scored 10 goals and provided two assists. While in Rome, he scored 21 goals and provided three assists in only 25 matches. His scoring rate has increased from one goal every 149.8 minutes at Villa to one goal every 96.7 minutes at Rome.

The numbers represent two very different versions of the same player. But Roma's contribution to Malan's success also lies in the way they are used. Upon arriving in Italy, he had a proven goalscoring ability, and statistics suggest Roma have found a role to maximize his attacking tendencies. While confidence and form have played a part, a change in position appears to be a major factor in their resurgence.

At Villa, Malan was frequently used in the frontline and only spent 52% of his league minutes as a central striker. While at Rome, 99% of his Serie A minutes have been played through the middle, with him becoming the central point of attack under manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

The data is backed by eye tests. Following Roma's 1–1 Champions League draw against Fenerbache last Thursday, when Malan set up his side's goal, French football journalist Julien Lawrence said on Match of the Day that the Dutch player has become central to Gasperini's plans. “He's been amazing since January,” Lawrence said. "He's been really efficient, super clinical. Malan is central to everything they do with the ball."

Malan is not the only former Premier League player to have succeeded in Italy. Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has impressed since his switch to Naples. Since joining Naples in August 2024, only five players have scored more Serie A goals than the Scottish international's 22 goals. His influence is so great that supporters in Naples have even erected a street monument in his honour.

Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Höglund has also improved his fortunes. His time in the north west of England created divisions among supporters and pundits. But since his debut in Rome, only Federico DiMarco, Lautaro Martínez and Malan have contributed more goals.

Their success shows that a transfer to Serie A can provide players with the opportunity to succeed in a different environment and role. But for Malan, the change has been particularly dramatic. Rome has not only changed Malan's game, but he has found a role that helps him perform at his best. Used solely as a striker, the Dutch player has produced the form that has earned him the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. Their time in the Premier League hasn't lived up to expectations, but their resurgence in the Italian capital has become one of the most notable improvements in European football this year.

What will happen next

Given Malan's form, it is likely that other Serie A clubs will take note of his performances and may try to include him in their squad in the future. Furthermore, his continued success could also give him the opportunity to play an important role in the Netherlands national team, especially for upcoming international tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals has Donyel Malan scored?

Donyel Malan has scored 20 goals since his Roma debut.

How was Donyel Malan's performance in the Premier League?

Donyel Malan scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists in 46 matches in the Premier League.

What is Donyel Malan's scoring rate at Roma?

At Roma, Donyel Malan's scoring rate is one goal every 96.7 minutes.

How many goals have other players scored compared to Donyel Malan?

After Donyel Malan,

Harry Kane has scored 16, Lamin Yamal has scored 15 and other players have scored less goals.

What is Roma's contribution to Donyel Malan's success?

Roma have found a role to maximize Donyel Malan's attacking tendencies, which has helped their success.

Related Articles

• Donyel Malan
• Donyell Malan
• El Aynaoui among the players leaving Roma
• Footballers show solidarity against Gianni Infantino,
• Jurgen Klopp selected 44 players in two teams