Donyell Malen gave an interview to Corriere dello Sport in which he discussed his experience at Roma.
The Dutch striker focused on his understanding with Dybala: “Dymalen… it makes you think about the connection, yes, it’s fun online… The connection with Paulo was immediate.”
The Giallorossi striker on how much he’s scoring and what’s changed: “Never so much. And right from the first few games. I think everything has changed a bit. I’ve played a lot and everywhere, but today I think I’m in the right place with the right people. The coach and my teammates give me so much confidence; all these things combined are helping me become what I dreamed of.”
The 1999-born striker wanted to leave Aston Villa to play more consistently: “It was me, I wanted to play, to be part of a team where I could play every weekend and be important. At that stage, I didn’t feel like I was, but I think I made the best choice.”
Donyell Malen spoke about what struck him about Roma: “The importance of the club, the fans, the coach, the teammates—all things that contribute to success and facilitate it.”
The Giallorossi striker focused on the most important moment of his time with the club: “The first match. Starting very well, scoring a hat-trick, was crucial. As a team, you know, we were strong and connected, the feeling I had right away was very good. From moments like this, we can build and achieve something special.”
The 1999-born striker confirmed his desire to play as a key striker: “Center is the position where I feel best, most comfortable.”
Malen spoke about the most obvious difference between Serie A and the Premier League: “Very hot. In England, it’s a lot of rain and very cold. Here in the summer you have to slow down the game; you can’t always go back and forth in 40-degree heat… In the Premier League, there’s a different philosophy; you never find defensive blocks like the Italians.”
The former Aston Villa player was also surprised by Pisilli and Koné, in addition to Svilar: “He’s very young, I saw him straight away, he’s got quality. Manu is fantastic. I knew some of them from Holland, like Marten, for example.”
Donyell Malen spoke about one of Gasperini’s specialties and shared an anecdote after Parma: “The way he manages players, you know he’ll never lie to you about anything. After Parma, he was so happy, even a table flew.”
The Giallorossi striker didn’t want to speculate on who will score more goals between him and Lautaro Martinez: “Better for me to focus on myself.”
