Lazio manager Marco Baroni has laid out a compelling vision for Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s development, suggesting the 23-year-old could emerge as one of football’s elite midfielders with continued refinement of his game. The coach’s assessment comes in the wake of Dele-Bashiru’s impressive performance in Lazio’s commanding 3-1 victory over Ajax in the UEFA Europa League.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia following the match, Baroni offered a nuanced analysis of the Nigerian international’s potential, particularly highlighting his unique combination of physical prowess and technical ability. His physicality is devastating and he has good technique,” Baroni observed, while also pointing to specific areas where the young midfielder can elevate his game further.
The manager’s comments carry particular weight following Dele-Bashiru’s crucial contribution to Lazio’s European triumph, where he netted the team’s second goal in their victory over the Dutch giants. This marked his second goal in the Europa League campaign, demonstrating his growing influence in continental competition for the Biancolesti.
Baroni’s assessment reflects both the excitement surrounding Dele-Bashiru’s potential and the work still required to fully realize it. The coach specifically emphasized the need for the midfielder to synchronize his mental and physical game: “Where he needs to improve and he is doing that is matching the speed of his brain to his legs. When he does that, he becomes really a remarkable midfielder.”
The manager’s reference to Dele-Bashiru’s background in “different football” suggests an understanding of the adaptation process required for players transitioning between different footballing cultures and styles. This insight reveals Baroni’s appreciation for the journey his young midfielder is undertaking in Italian football.
At just 23, Dele-Bashiru appears to be thriving under Baroni’s guidance at Lazio, with his Europa League performances serving as evidence of his rapid development. The combination of his natural physical attributes with improving tactical awareness suggests a player on an upward trajectory in one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated leagues.
The timing of Baroni’s comments is particularly significant as they come during a period where Dele-Bashiru is increasingly establishing himself as a key figure in Lazio’s midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack, as demonstrated by his goalscoring record in European competition, showcases the versatility that modern midfielders require at the highest level.
Lazio’s investment in Dele-Bashiru’s development reflects a broader trend of Italian clubs nurturing young talent while maintaining competitive ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. Baroni’s measured approach to the Nigerian’s development, balancing praise with clear areas for improvement, suggests a well-thought-out plan for maximizing his potential.
The midfielder’s journey at Lazio serves as an interesting case study in player development, particularly for African talents adapting to the tactical demands of Serie A. Baroni’s emphasis on mental processing speed rather than purely physical attributes highlights the sophisticated approach required to succeed in Italian football.
Looking ahead, Dele-Bashiru’s continued growth under Baroni’s tutelage could have significant implications not only for Lazio but also for the Nigerian national team. As he continues to refine his game and adapt to the demands of Italian football, his development could mark him as one of the next generation of standout African midfielders in European football.
The challenge now lies in maintaining this trajectory of development while continuing to contribute to Lazio’s campaigns across multiple competitions. With Baroni’s guidance and clear vision for improvement, Dele-Bashiru appears well-positioned to fulfill the remarkable potential his manager sees in him.
