Nicolo Zaniolo scored a brilliant hat-trick last night to send a reminder of what he could bring to Liverpool.
According to Calciomercato back in February, The Reds have been monitoring the 22-year-old with a view to a move in the summer.
Zaniolo has been having a disappointing season for Roma up until this point. The Italian international had just four goals in 34 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side prior to last night.
That kind of underperformance can’t be put right in just one evening. However, Zaniolo’s display in Roma’s Europa Conference league quarter-final against Bodo/Glimt sent a reminder to Liverpool, and the wider world, of just how good he can be.
Contract issues could lead to sale
Zaniolo will be entering into the final two years of his current agreement this summer. An extension doesn’t look like being reached any time soon.
That could see the forward being available on the market for the right price this summer.
Liverpool are currently in a similar standoff over Mohamed Salah’s deal, which runs out next summer. Regardless of whether Salah extends his stay at Anfield or not, The Reds will soon need to start thinking about a successor for the Egyptian.
Being seven years Salah’s junior, Zaniolo would have plenty of time to grow into his role at Liverpool. He has loads of ability and has been called ‘incredible’ by former Roma captain Daniele De Rossi via asroma.com.
Analysing Zaniolo’s masterful hat-trick
Salah and Zaniolo have very differing profiles. The Liverpool man is a nippy and nimble forward whereas the Roma player is strong and powerful. But analysing the Italian’s goals last night, it’s clear to see how he could fit into Jurgen Klopp’s system.
His first goal saw him drift in from the right-side before being played through on goal. The finish provided was indicative of someone who is comfortable in one-on-one situations.
Zaniolo’s second goal was another example of his comfort in-front of goal. The left-footed attacker timed his run to perfection to latch onto an inch perfect through ball from Nicola Zalewski. He then provided a delicate dinked finish which gave the ‘keeper no chance.
Finally, Zaniolo saved his best goal for last. Running onto a high ball into the right-hand channel, he took a bouncing ball on his head to advance him into the area.
Zaniolo then unleashed a devastating left-footed half volley that almost ripped the side-netting. It was a goal Salah himself would have been proud of.
It remains to be seen what kind of fee Roma would be looking for to let Zaniolo go this summer.
But if Liverpool are serious about refreshing their forward line over the next couple of years, they should keep a close eye on how he pushes on from an excellent display last night.
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