In Focus: Villa new boy Zaniolo looks in good Nic

Callum Rice-Coates

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Nicolo Zaniolo is the latest addition to Aston Villa's squad

Aston Villa continued their summer of ambitious transfer business with the capture of Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The 24-year-old impressed during his short stint in Turkey, scoring five goals in 10 appearances having only arrived from Roma at the start of 2023.

Ahead of Villa's clash with Everton this weekend, we take a look at what Zaniolo could offer in the Premier League.

Goal threat

Italian international Zaniolo offers a genuine goal threat, frequently looking to break into the box from deeper areas.

A competent finisher, he ranked comfortably inside the Super Lig's top 10 players for goals scored per 90 minutes last season (1.28).

The 24-year-old also averaged an impressive 5.59 shots per 90, hitting the target with 45.5% of his efforts.

Furthermore, he is an accomplished dribbler and difficult to dispossess having drawn an average of 3.08 fouls per 90 in the Turkish top flight last term.

Nicolo Zaniolo impressed in his short stint at Galatasaray

Versatility

Villa boss Unai Emery will also have been attracted to the 6ft 3in star's versatility.

He is capable of playing as a central midfielder, a No10, a winger, or even as a centre forward.

Wherever Zaniolo is utilised, he will provide plenty of guile and directness — he ranked high in Serie A last season before his departure for take-ons attempted per 90 (3.81).

He has shown himself to be an effective team player who is intelligent enough to execute the tactical instructions of his new coach.

Nicolo Zaniolo is capable of playing in a variety of roles

High praise

Zaniolo has earned praise from most of his former managers — not least Jose Mourinho.

The legeandary tactician said: "[Zaniolo's] attitude, his desire to help the team, his sense of being a team player — I'm never angry because Nico doesn't score one or two goals or doesn't score a lot.

"He's a guy who gives everything he's got, who forces his opponents to make a lot of fouls, sometimes beyond the right aggressiveness. I am always happy with him."

There are few better references than a glowing report from the Special One.

Jose Mourinho spoke highly of Nicolo Zaniolo during the pair's time together at Roma

Injury issues

In 2020, having emerged as an exciting prospect for the Giallorossi, Zaniolo suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Italy's team doctor described the damage as "major" and Zaniolo was out for almost a year, a significant setback for a player whose potential was obvious.

Just before that injury, former England boss Fabio Capello had showered his compatriot with praise.

He said: "I am in love with Zaniolo because he has everything at the highest level — power, quality and pace. There are players out there with a lot of potential, but not like him.

"I don’t see other young players as good as Zaniolo around at the moment. I think he has the potential to become a Ballon d’Or winner."

His development was hampered and future injury issues are a possibility — but at 24, Zaniolo should still have plenty to offer.