Former Roma striker and coach Rudi Voller has heaped praise on Paulo Dybala, while offering encouragement to a struggling Tammy Abraham.
Paulo Dybala is “one of the most important signings in Roma’s history,” according to former Giallorossi striker and head coach Rudi Voller.
The Argentina international has made an impressive start to life in the Italian capital since his free transfer from Juventus, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven Serie A games.
The former Bianconeri forward also netted twice in the Europa League and his impact caught the eye of Voller, who scored 68 goals in 198 games for Roma between 1987 and 1992.
“It is one of the most important signings in the history of Roma,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “Fans have been waiting for a big hit and he’s arrived. [He’s] amazing and lives up to expectations.
“I hope he continues like this and doesn’t have any physical problems. If Paulo is physically fit, he can be devastating with that exceptional left foot.”
Voller, who was also briefly head coach of Roma in 2004, offered words of encouragement to striker Tammy Abraham after his steady start to the campaign.
The England international top-scored for the club with 17 goals last season – bettered only by Ciro Immobile (27), Dušan Vlahovič (24) and Lautaro Martinez (21) in Serie A – but scored just twice in 10 games. all competitions in this term.
“He has to believe in himself; never stop believing in his abilities because these moments happen to all strikers, even the strongest,” added Voller. “Then comes a match when you score a hat-trick and everything changes, especially in the head.
“The important thing is to always stay focused on the tasks and responsibilities, even if he doesn’t score, Abraham has to keep working for the team, give everything on the pitch.”
Roma welcome Lecce to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday looking to bounce back from their Europa League defeat to Real Betis in midweek and Voller believes Champions League qualification should be the Giallorossi’s minimum target this season.
“The win against Inter was exciting for the fans and put the team back in a good position in the table,” he said. “They have a very good chance of at least making it to the Champions League.
“The beauty of Italian football is that right now there is no Bayern Munich that is better than all the others. There are five to six teams here that can fight for the Scudetto.”
“Roma now have to aim for fourth place, then once they stabilize and find balance they can think about even more important goals.”
Leave a comment