Welcome back, the mini-series continues. I’ve been taking a deep-dive into each of the summer signings performances, and how they’ve settled into life at Villa Park.
Joining me to review Nicolò Zaniolo’s start is our post-match review writer Joey Millington.
Nicolò Zaniolo
During the international break, Nicolò Zaniolo joined Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali in leaving Luciano Spalletti’s national team camp due to an investigation by Italian prosecutors into illegal betting.
The Italian football federation have since released a statement confirming that the pair are under investigation and subsequently not in a position to represent their national side at this time.
The latest, reported by Sky Italia, is that Nicolò Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali are likely to not have been involved in sporting fraud.
When you heard of the allegations, what were your first thoughts—greed? That was the outstanding reaction on social media. Footballers are wealthy young men, so why do they gamble?
Gambling is an addiction. I hope as a club and a fan base we are able to support, educate, and rehabilitate the player.
UTV PODCAST supports and promotes ‘Against the Odds,’ a support network that educates young people about the dangers of gambling and the effects of addiction. If you or a friend feels that their gambling is out of hand, please seek help; gambling has the highest suicide rate in the UK.
Not how we wanted to start the article, but your opinion on the investigation, Joey?
JM: “Whilst we have not heard more than that at this point, such accusations will be a concern to all involved at Villa, and fans and officials alike will be waiting for more information and offering any necessary support to the player”.
Let’s talk on the pitch. Zaniolo’s start hasn’t been spectacular, but work on his adaptation within this side has begun under Unai Emery.
Unai Emery; post Brighton: “It’s very easy to talk and work with him. His adaptation is going well. He played more on the right side, but we needed him now on the left. I am going to use him in different positions. I am very happy with him.”
So, Joey. What are your thoughts on the initial loan-signing of Zaniolo?
JM: “In a perfect world Nicolò Zaniolo may not have signed for Villa this season. That is no slight on the intelligent Italian midfielder. After a sublime pre-season, Emi Buendía suffered a heartbreaking knee injury on the eve of the curtain-raiser, whilst fellow technician Philippe Coutinho had shown glimpses of recapturing his best form before a loan move to Qatari side Al-Duhail presented an enticing financial package for both club and player. Jaden Philogene-Bidace was also impressive as Villa toured the United States, but the decision to move the youngster on to Hull City was taken with one eye on Financial Fair Play.
“As it happened though, as the dominos fell, Villa took their chance to secure the services of a very talented young footballer. Zaniolo is a player who has long been admired by Villa’s Spanish supremo Monchi and the B6 side moved quickly when they found out that Galatasaray were making the Italian available on loan. A reasonable fee was agreed for the end of the season should things work out for the versatile attacking player. Such an agreement was seen as low risk with an extremely high upside for the club”.
“The deal proved to be a no-brainer for Zaniolo too, who wanted a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, attempt to win his second Europa Conference League medal and reunite with the man who signed him as Sporting Director at A.S. Roma. Injuries have blighted the career of a player who was tipped for massive success not too long ago, and a change of scenery and the chance to be managed by a world class manager were also amongst the considerations of the Italian star.”
Zaniolo made his debut for Aston Villa against Burnley at Turf Moor. Entering the pitch to a serenade of “I like it, I like it, I like it – Nicolò Zaniolo”.
An instant no-look pass captivated the hearts of those who appreciate a touch of flair—a skill only associated with the likes of ex-Villa man Magic Merson. And he nearly scored his first goal as a Villa player, but his attempt travelled wide of the Burnley goal.
JM: “In truth, that near-miss has set the tone for Zaniolo’s time in claret and blue thus far. With silky ball control and the ability to pick up pockets of space, there is no worry about the ability of the Italian and it certainly has not been for the want of trying, it has just been that final bit of end product that has been missing early on”.
“This was no more apparent than his performance in the recent Conference League match against Herzegovinian side Zrinjski Mostar. Zaniolo drifted and drove but could not find the killer pass or finish. Even an overhead kick, that had every Villa fan ready to roar, was kept out by the impressive Marko Marić.”
Yeah. You may add rattling the crossbar against Legia Warsaw (for which Duran scored on the rebound) to the list. Once one goes in, the floodgates of confidence will open, and we’ll see Zaniolo at full force.
What has been impressive (other than his thighs) is his work rate and intelligence; this was apparent in the 6-1 home win against Brighton and Hove Albion. His commitment to a narrow press and positional awareness was extremely successful in countering Brighton’s tactical build-up from the back.
We’ve also seen his ball-carrying abilities and ability to produce a breathtaking piece of skill to turn his man. In his three starts, he has made 11 progressive carries, received 20 progressive passes, attempted 18 take-ons, and has the second most carriers into the penalty area with 8 attempts, only Diaby attempting more with 12.
Zaniolo has also contributed well in the final third, taking 23 touches in the opposition’s penalty area—our 4th highest player to do so.
I believe these stats will continue to improve as his adjustment to Premier League football matures.
JM: “Yes. These finishing touches are the type of thing that will surely be ironed out throughout the season and will come when that bit of luck that has so far been absent is combined with an ever-improving confidence. As with many players who sign for a Premier League team, there is often also an adjustment that is needed to the pace and physicality of playing in England. Many of the world’s most gifted players need a small window to bed in and Zaniolo himself has admitted as much, stating that English football is far “more physical” than in Italy, although he suggested this will actually suit his style of play in the long-term“.
“He has earned a reputation for being strong, rangy and mobile and can play in several positions across the forward line and in midfield. This physicality and versatility, coupled with his obvious technical ability, could prove to be incredibly important for Unai Emery’s men as games build up throughout the season”.
We are still waiting for official word from the club on Zaniolo’s future and the ramifications of the accusations, which are deeply concerning to everyone associated with the club. We will continue to offer support to the player.
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