Why the World Cup will be crucial for Roma’s Donyell Malen | OneFootball

Netherlands international Donyell Malen is going into the World Cup as one of the most in-form forwards in Europe.

Ever since joining Roma, the Dutchman has been flying, and after an ill-fated stint at Aston Villa he has delivered an over-20-goal campaign to bring the Giallorossi back into the Champions League on the last day, earning in the process a permanent move to the Olimpico.

Malen’s performances are peaking at the right time, and the Oranje will eager for him to continue this rich vein of form into the World Cup.

At 27, Malen has finally arrived to the party. The former Arsenal academy man first showed promising signing in home country with PSV, and while he carried his good work to Dortmund, things fizzled out in the end, and it’s safe to say he never really got going in Birmingham.

One could argue that he is going into the World Cup at the peak of his powers, for at 31 who knows where he’d be. He could reach greater heights, of course, but that remains a case of “what can be” compared to “what is”, and as far as the latter is concerned, Malen is going the World Cup as the Netherlands’ most influential forward.

Memphis Depay will always be a talisman for as long as he wears the Dutch colours, and he always does come up with something magical when he’s representing his country. Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, is another big name, but he’s coming into the World Cup on the back of a disappointing campaign with Liverpool.

When it comes down to performances at the very top level of the sport, Ronald Koeman simply does not have a more in-form forward at his disposal than Malen, and he will be relying on him all the more this time around. If all goes to plan, he will occupying that right-side berth in the Dutch frontline, expected to fire on all cylinders.

Donyell Malen is about to get the chance to show the wider footballing world what he has been delivering at the Olimpico in recent months. If he can contribute to his side making a deep run in the tournament, his reputation could reach heights hitherto unexpected.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN