Italian press split over Malen after Roma‑Fenerbahçe draw

Donyell Malen, the Dutch striker, provided an assist for AS Roma's only goal in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe (1-1) in the Champions League, but the Italian press is divided over his performance.

Italian media assess Malen

According to Il Messaggero, Malen was “seen too little” and received a rating of six. The newspaper noted that he only became truly visible after 38 minutes, after which he confused the Turkish defence to serve Bryan Cristante.

Calciomercato was more critical and gave Malen a 5.5. The publication praised his energy and the problems he creates for the Turkish defence, but felt he played too subtly, thus not creating clear chances.

Roma Today also gave a six, noting that Malen only comes alive occasionally, but when he does, he sets the tempo for Roma. Sportmediaset gave him a 6.5 and compared his position to that of the Dutch national team, stating that he drifted too far to the side. The Italian branch of Eurosport was the most positive and scored a six, praising that Malen “has the fire out of his slippers” in the first half.

Malen's contribution and past

The assist stemmed from a move in which Malen played the ball to Cristante, who then scored. In the second half he got a chance from a pass by Dybala, but he missed the target.

Malen, a former player of PSV, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, is praised by the press for his energy, but also criticised for a too subtle playing style that sometimes limits his impact.

Other notable moments

Besides Malen, Devyne Rensch also started for AS Roma. The former Ajax player was often mentioned by coach Gian Piero Gasperini as a surprise, but turned out “invisible” against Fenerbahçe.