It started beautifully.
The versatile striker shone in Bologna
Last season in Serie A was perhaps the most boring in terms of the title race – already in March it was clear that Inter would not have strong competitors on the finish line, all that remained was to secure the title de jure. And even with such an image, there was room for a sensation: no one expected to see Bologna in the Champions League zone. The opening team broke the tops (beating Atalanta, Roma, Lazio and Napoli, sharing points with Milan and Juventus) and at one point even climbed into the top three. It helped me earn a decent amount of money from the prize money obtained by entering Champions Leagueon increasing the team’s popularity. And on player sales.
The two main sales were full-back Riccardo Calafiori (to Arsenal) and Joshua Zirkzee (signed by Manchester United). The Dutch striker was in particular demand: he proved to be a versatile player ready to participate in pressing. An ideal “soldier” for modern coaches. Therefore, Joshua wanted to get Bayern, led by the progressive Vincent Kompany. Milan was also among the contenders. But Manchester United worked faster than the others.
Turbulent Manchester United – not the best place to continue your career
Since the summer, big questions have been raised about the feasibility of the transition. For Manchester United This deal was smart, they grabbed a rising footballer in an open position so that Høylund would have an incentive to develop. Plus, we didn’t spend a lot of money. But for a footballer, such a move is extremely dubious.
United is basically an unstable and unstable project with which it is impossible to plan long-term cooperation (one year they finish in the top three, the next year they don’t even make it into the top five). Ten Hag failed the previous season and remained at the helm of the Mancunians. It is generally unclear what the team was counting on for the new season.
And Joshua himself Manchester United it didn’t work out. It started with a goal scored, then the Red Devils declined again and Zirkzee became gloomy. In nine rounds, in addition to the goal, the Dutchman recorded an assist in the match against West Ham, as a result of which ten Hags were sent off. Another result of this period was the status of a rotation player (after recovery, Høylund snatched a starting place).
Amorim prefers a familiar striker, a purge is expected at the club
Today, the fears are only confirmed. The head coach of the club has changed, the new coach has his own approach, his own game structure. Ruben Amorim has switched to a formation with three central defenders. Now the wingers fight for the lateral position with the full-backs. Or they play insiders – there is competition with Bruno Fernandes.
In this chaos, Amorim forms a new foundation. And for the moment Zirkzee is not one of those on whom the Portuguese is ready to rely. Joshua remains a rotation player and benefits from little playing time. Because there is Rasmus Højlund, who is used to playing in open space, in fast attacks, a footballer of this profile is much more suitable in Amorim.
In addition, Ruben wants to bring with him a striker with whom he worked at Sporting. We are talking about Victor Győkeres. The Swede has shown excellent results under the leadership of Ruben, and the latter knows the striker’s qualities very well. So far everything is going to the point that in summer Manchester United a large-scale purge will begin to regroup players under a new coach, and Joshua will also be on the “out” list.
You should seek help from your former coach
Zirkzee revealed Motta in Bologna. Thiago systematically built a team capable of competing for something serious – and the result of his work far exceeded the costs. Joshua fully understood the demands of an innovative coach and adapted to his model of playing on the ball and in defense.
Following an astonishing campaign, Thiago, like the players, was promoted. Now he is building a new Juventus and, considering the difference from Allegri’s style, this is the most ambitious project of Motta’s career. One item that needs to be updated is the forward position. Dusan Vlahovic is a tall striker, focused on fighting for the ball in the final third, exclusively on finishing. He is trying to adapt to the new demands, but objectively he is not that good in Motta’s system. Zirkzee would be a better choice. The Dutchman’s weak season affects demand and Juve, according to rumors, has already turned to this option (although the Turin team itself still denies this). Renting would benefit everyone: Manchester United would have started a restructuring, Joshua would have returned to his favorite coach, Juve would have received more quality at the forefront.
Would suit Arsenal
Potentially options with clubs could also be considered nuclear submarine. Plus, Arsenal really need a striker. The Gunners have been trying to strengthen this position for a year now. Last winter we battled with Brentford for Tawny, and this summer we were looking for an elite striker. Although Jesus has shone in recent games, he cannot provide the quality needed during the season. It’s the same with Havertz.
At the same time, Arteta does not need a killer in someone else’s penalty area, like Haaland – the Spaniard prefers more versatile players, so Zirkzee would be a good choice. Additionally, Arsenal have a much clearer structure and established core compared to United. IN Manchester United Either way, Zirkzee is unlikely to stay.
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